View Full Version : New SB, can't stop the compulsion...
Well, finally got some tax money back. I kept hearing about the Switchback, so I put in an order for one today. We'll have to try it out next to my WBBBs and ENOs...
Too many hammocks now?
dragon360
07-08-2011, 14:01
Too many hammocks now?
Bit your tongue.
And way ahead of you on the 'sickness'. Seems its a good kind on uncontrollable!
Its kinda like "retail therapy" but fer guys.....
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail_therapy
Welcome to the Switchback club!
You're gonna love it!
One Switchback IS NOT enough! You'll get another one... just wait and see...:cool:
One Switchback IS NOT enough! You'll get another one... just wait and see...:cool:
Who would do such a thing as that? .... Oh yeah, Shane! :lol::lol::lol:
Who would do such a thing as that? .... Oh yeah, Shane! :lol::lol::lol:
Technically... the Light Hiker is the wife's:lol::lol::lol: Score!
Well, it was your guy's fault... all that talk about the Switchback this and the LightHiker that... Driving me crazy. :rolleyes:
So, I don't care about weight. The SB was $10 cheaper than the LH. I'm 5'06" (and 215#). Was that the right one, or won't it matter?
Well... I'm 6'0" and 200#... I think I actually like the shorter Light Hiker a bit better, but that could be just because I've hung in it more often than the 1.1 Dbl SB since I've had the Light Hiker longer. I cannot really tell a difference as far as diagonal lie or shoulder room. Both are fine for me.
I LOVE the room in the Switchback under the netting when I use the spreader bars (made from light weight carbon fiber arrow shafts). It's really like the netting isn't even there at that point.
OK, I read through the descriptions on the website, but I don't see the dimensions on the 1.1d or the Light Hiker.
I called Dale and he agreed to switch out the 1.9d for the Light Hiker. He said that they had changed out the suspension system, but haven't updated the website to reflect it. He said that they went to straps and rings to give the hammocks a much bigger adjustability range. We'll have to see how that works.
I like whoopies and might have to switch them back on my own...
Also, is there any other YouTube videos than?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98xQhxd18Uo
I didn't see anything about setup on the website or anywhere else - like about spreader bars.
GroundHog
07-09-2011, 15:18
The spreader bars on the 1.9 dbl are for the bug net. I don't think the Light Hiker uses them, but I'm not sure..
The spreader bars on the 1.9 dbl are for the bug net. I don't think the Light Hiker uses them, but I'm not sure..
Correct. No spreader bars needed on the Light Hiker. Don't need them. When the hammock is properly deployed the netting rises up out of the way gracefully and you have simple comfort.
I got my Light Hiker the other day. I only had a couple of minutes to set it up and try it out.
On of the big differences between the LH and the SB, is that there are spreader loops on the no-see-um netting of the SB, but not on the LH. The net was really high above the hammock, once I got it strug up correctly. It felt like it was a little too tight of an upside down V shape. I talked to Dale about it and he said that if I took out some of the sag, it would stretch out better.
Another big difference that I noticed between my LH and my WBBBs is that you don't have the 'wall' on one side, with a zipper on the other. Both sides open and you have an equal view out both sides. I really like those features - you don't have to worry about which end of the hammock you're putting up.
The rings that I got looked like they were rolled aluminum. I asked Dale about them. He said that they were extremely hard to come by right now (climbing season). He said that they use 'decender rings' from a climbing company, so that they know that the rings will not bend under load. They are not just some cheap aluminum rings that you could pick up that are cast. They are actually formed and rolled for strength. They don't look pretty as colored ones, but they're incredibly tough.
I did not like the Bishop Bag as much as my WBBB one. It is sewn shut on one end, with the larks head loop coming out and attached to the pair of rings. I like the open ends of the WBBB bag and that I can synched down on the draw strings and cord lock them (personal preference). The cord lock on my LH was much more beefy.
I noticed that the seam work actually appeared better than my WBBB. The seams were double sewn, with about 1/4" between the stitching (The WBBB was single stitched). I was impressed with the quality overall and in the little details.
I noticed that the double layer was actually held closed along the edge by hook & loop. There were tie outs in several places. Overall, it appeared to me that the LH was more costly to make than my WBBBs.
Finally, I think I understand why the weight was different between the single layer and double layer SB's. The outside layer is ripstop 1.1 or 1.9. I noticed that the inside layer was a different material. I confirmed this with Dale. He said that the inside layer is made of Taffeta (?). He said that it was way more breathable than ripstop. He said that it contributed to the weight quite a bit, but they felt that it was worth the trade-off. I believe that this material is why there was no perceived calf-ridge. It feels like it distributes the weight much better than rip-stop alone (or maybe it's the cut???).
I could lay with my feet at either end and it felt comfortable. There were tie outs on both sides, but I did not have a chance to tweek it. It was dark & I had to get up early this morning. I will be camping this weekend in the North Cascades, so I'll have a better chance for a head-to-head...
My first impression was that my LH is a very high quality hammock. I would not hesitate to buy another one. I believe that the biggest problem right now for Dale is keeping up with the quantity of orders and sourcing the materials he needs. He said that he has not been able to update the website, but he would like to offer people a choice between the straps and rings or the whoopies. Maybe send him a PM with your order to spec it out the way that you want it. He said that he would be willing to swap out my straps & rings for whoopies if I was so inclined.
Hope this helps those of you on the fence.
JaxHiker
07-20-2011, 08:21
The rings that I got looked like they were rolled aluminum. I asked Dale about them. He said that they were extremely hard to come by right now (climbing season). He said that they use 'decender rings' from a climbing company, so that they know that the rings will not bend under load. They are not just some cheap aluminum rings that you could pick up that are cast. They are actually formed and rolled for strength. They don't look pretty as colored ones, but they're incredibly tough.
Yes, climbing-rated descender rings are single-piece items. There shouldn't be any seam like you'll see on the cheaper rings. SMC seems to be the go-to brand and it's what I use. You can buy them at REI (http://www.rei.com/product/471123/smc-descending-ring) or most anyplace that sells climbing gear.
Glad you're happy with your Light Hiker. Still lovin' mine.
brushybill
07-20-2011, 09:11
Not a lot of info on the web yet,i have found that the switchback is not as picky about setup as some other hammocks, as for the bug net rods, the guys at tttg recommend 22", but I have found that 23" works better for me
OutandBack
07-20-2011, 09:29
Great review rodwolfy. I agree will all except the comment on the second layer of Taffeta being the reason for no calf pressure. I have a 1.9 single with no Taffeta and have no calf pressure.
Not a lot of info on the web yet,i have found that the switchback is not as picky about setup as some other hammocks, as for the bug net rods, the guys at tttg recommend 22", but I have found that 23" works better for me
I really wish TtoT would work on their website and add some how to videos.
When I bought my SB there was no info or instructions on the netting. I actually got more info on this type of net from the DD hammock forum video.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showpost.php?p=76325&postcount=1
Not liking the straight stick idea (tarp damage) I ended up buying the clark spreader bars which fit perfectly and being rounded I have no issues with poking a hole in my tarp.
OutandBack,
Like I mentioned, I wasn't sure if it was the material or maybe the cut. Sounds like it was the cut.
I talked with Dale yesterday. I think he's a little overwhelmed with some of it. He said that he wanted to update his website, but he doesn't know how to do it.
As far as the spreader bars, the Light Hiker does not have any loops, so you cannot use spreaders.
I'm going to tweek it this weekend. Dale told me to stretch it out more taut and I'd geta flatter lay. I was of the impression that less sag than most hammocks is actually better.
rip waverly
07-20-2011, 17:54
so no spreader bars for the netting stock with the switchback?
Not a lot of info on the web yet,i have found that the switchback is not as picky about setup as some other hammocks,
I'm going to tweek it this weekend. Dale told me to stretch it out more taut and I'd geta flatter lay. I was of the impression that less sag than most hammocks is actually better.
I wholeheartedly agree with both observations. The SB doesn't complain about the way it's set up and a tighter than usual hang makes for an extremely comfortable lay.
rip waverly
07-20-2011, 21:08
so no spreader bars for the netting stock with the switchback?
NOPE. just got redbeard's from the FS forum.
mighty fine looking hammock- and i'll reverberate everyone's assessments to this point, without typing them myself.
i'll have it out this weekend, and return with observations- most of which, again, have been stated on this piece of gear.
OutandBack
07-21-2011, 07:44
NOPE. just got redbeard's from the FS forum.
mighty fine looking hammock- and i'll reverberate everyone's assessments to this point, without typing them myself.
i'll have it out this weekend, and return with observations- most of which, again, have been stated on this piece of gear.
Looking forward to your report.
Just remember to forget all the wbbb setup rules like 30 degrees on the tree strap angle for proper sag or checking the SRL for play. Laying at a 30 degree asym angle to eliminate the leg pressure.
15-20 degrees would be a better tree strap angle and a 15 degree asym lay to hit the SB's flatspot.
hth
rip waverly
07-21-2011, 11:36
Looking forward to your report.
Just remember to forget all the wbbb setup rules like 30 degrees on the tree strap angle for proper sag or checking the SRL for play. Laying at a 30 degree asym angle to eliminate the leg pressure.
15-20 degrees would be a better tree strap angle and a 15 degree asym lay to hit the SB's flatspot.
hth
thanks outandback- for the tips.
My wife's Light Hiker arrived the other day which gave me the opportunity of comparing it to the Classic. I'm 6'2" and was wondering if I should have gone with the LH instead of the Classic.
I tried the LH last night and slept for 10 straight hours. So yeah...I'd say someone that tall would be pretty happy with it. Upon waking I immediately set up the Classic. As comfortable as I was in the LH....I was even more comfortable in the Classic. I also like the option of using the spreader bar. I probably should have gone with a single layer to save weight since I rarely use a pad anyway.
Both hammocks are awesome. I am 100% satisfied with the hammocks and the customer service I've received from Dale.
On a side note, I was able to hook up with SoCal Mike during my trip to CA. He tried out the Classic and really liked it. Word on the street has it that he may be ordering a Classic single layer. I'll include a pic of him trying it out. Check the big grin on that mug. There's a happy hanger!
Miguel
rb_daniel
07-21-2011, 19:32
Thanks for the comparisons. I was on the fence between SB or LH and the WBBB, but now I think it's just between SB single layer or LH. I'm 6'0" and 200lbs.
SoCal Mike
07-21-2011, 23:43
My wife's Light Hiker arrived the other day which gave me the opportunity of comparing it to the Classic. I'm 6'2" and was wondering if I should have gone with the LH instead of the Classic.
I tried the LH last night and slept for 10 straight hours. So yeah...I'd say someone that tall would be pretty happy with it. Upon waking I immediately set up the Classic. As comfortable as I was in the LH....I was even more comfortable in the Classic. I also like the option of using the spreader bar. I probably should have gone with a single layer to save weight since I rarely use a pad anyway.
Both hammocks are awesome. I am 100% satisfied with the hammocks and the customer service I've received from Dale.
On a side note, I was able to hook up with SoCal Mike during my trip to CA. He tried out the Classic and really liked it. Word on the street has it that he may be ordering a Classic single layer. I'll include a pic of him trying it out. Check the big grin on that mug. There's a happy hanger!
Miguel
Yep, I was all grins in the SB Classic. Very comfortable, fantastic quality and tons of features. A big thank you to Miguel, who responded to a post where I asked for anyone with a SB if I could try it out at a demo. He went out of his way meet up with me during a visit with family and friends. This forum is great and everyone I've encountered so far has been very helpful and gracious in offering to show me their gear to help me with my decision on which hammock to get. I plan on grabbing an SB single layer Classic. Will certainly let everyone know how it works out. Thanks again, Miguel!
SoCal Mike
One of the big differences between the LH and the SB, is that there are spreader loops on the no-see-um netting of the SB, but not on the LH. The net was really high above the hammock, once I got it strug up correctly. It felt like it was a little too tight of an upside down V shape. I talked to Dale about it and he said that if I took out some of the sag, it would stretch out better.
So, I set it up again and tried different adjustments. I am apparently picky, because I didn't like the inverted "V" shape of the netting. I called Dale and I shipped back the Light Hiker. He's sending me a SB 1.1d. Coincidently, he said that they had come out with a couple of different new colors. If you look at his DIY materials page, they have a green and a blue colored material. I actually wanted the olive green, but he didn't have any.
So, I thought I'd try the blue colored one. Does anyone else have a BLUE SB 1.1d???:rolleyes:
So, everything the LH was, but I like that the bug netting is more reinforced and you can use spreader bars.
The blue is darker than I expected, but looks great! I think that the green would be darker than Dale shows on his website too.