Paracord 550 vs Speer No-Tangle

**Just Jeff** · 09-02-2009, 06:43

I love 550 cord but not for tarps, for a few reasons. It sucks up water like a sponge in the rain, it tangles easily, and it's hard to untangle when it gets wet. Plus it's designed to stretch, and it stretches even more when it gets wet. And it's heavier than other options out there.

Plus, the "550 cord" that's often sold in stores isn't really 550 cord. Same sheath, but just a filler inside rather than the 7-strand inner core. Which makes it much weaker but with the same weaknesses for this application.

Last reason - I want to make sure my tarp cord fails before my tarp does. If the line snaps in a strong gust, I can tie it back in a square knot. But if the tarp rips, I can't field repair it as easily...so I use a systems approach to make sure it fails where I can handle it quickly.

I've been using the JRB cord from the STLs. STLs all around and just the cord on the ridgeline.

**pizza** · 09-02-2009, 17:13

Originally Posted by pizza

I'm using this stuff now and it works pretty well. http://www.rei.com/product/617569 It seems to have less stretch than the braided nylon mason line and it doesn't tangle as easily either. Plus it looks cool at night when you shine your head lamp on it since it has the 3M reflective Scotchlite.

Looks like JRB offers the same line as well. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/PICT0005...eb%20Small.JPG I forgot to mention that this stuff works great on hammock zipper pulls too. I have it on my BB.

**BurningCedar** · 09-03-2009, 07:58

I've been using Zing It line. The specs for Zing It and Speer appear to be similar. If anyone has used both; are their additional advantages of the Speer over Zing It?

The Speer website says it has a nylon sheath; which makes me think Kelty Triptease (which I've also used successfully for many years -- good stuff). Is the Speer similar to Triptease?

You can probably tell I've never used or even seen Speer's line; but I know from experience that all of Ed's stuff is first class! Just don't know if its worth investing in new line right now.