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I understand that Brandon handles his seam a little different than others and it doesn't typically require seam seal. I am looking at the pole mod from 2QZQ, which they have informed me it will require the seam to be sealed after they do their mod. It made me curious, has anyone ever had to seal their Superfly seam down the road under normal use? If not, the mod makes me apprehensive to mess with a good thing. Thoughts...
swank
Tagged for curiosity...
I'm also thinking of doing this. Anyone that has the pole mod and seam sealed experience any trouble?
Donna adds a ribbon on the inside of the tarp on the ridgeline for tying the pole. All you need to seal is where that ribbon was sewn on.
Yes, I understand the procedure, the concern is I just opened up a seam that may very well never need to be sealed.
swank
Oh, you opened up the seam? If your messing with that ridgeline at all, I'd seal it just for peace of mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by swankfly
"I", didn't. In order to do the pole mod, 2QZQ opens up the seam in the middle to attach a tying ribbon for the pole in the center. This action then requires you to seal the ridgleine seam on a tarp that does not require seam sealing.
My question was, has anyone EVER had to seal their seam on an unaltered Superfly, because it started leaking. If this has never happened, then I am reluctant to have that seam opened.
swank
i have brandons BMJ and i know he does the seams the same way on that and i haven't had to seal it as of yet (did do the pullouts like he suggests tho) been using it for over 2 years with no problems.....now if the ridgeline has been messed with it might be a good idea to seal itQuote:
Originally Posted by swankfly
might want to send brandon an email and get his opinion on it, maybe it will be ok if it get put back together the same way
boot
He didn't open it, but 2QZQ will when they add that ribbon for the pole mod. I got a PM from them on what they have to do. Personally, I'm not interested in having to open up the ridge seam on my SF, when I get it. I am either going to run a ridgeline, or do an outside pole mod. Either way, I'm waiting until I get my SF, and get a good look at it before doing anything.......RR
OK, I gotcha now. The only thing Brandon recommends sealing are the side pullouts. The ridge is sewn in such a way that it doesn't need sealing. I've read him type it here a few times. I haven't heard of anyone needed it it down the road, mine has been holding up great for it's second year now.
I have seen folks do an outside the tarp pole mod. Lukesteg had one on his cuban. It's a really simple technique. Tendertoe has a video out there on the subject as well. I know I wouldn't want my SF ridgeline altered. In reality it's probably just opened up slightly from the inside to accomodate the ribbon and wouldn't pose a huge risk. Interested to hear how it would perform without sealing.
I have never sealed mine. Sometimes there can be slight drips coming through the side tieouts in a prolonged downpour but never enough to drive me to seal them up. I have had my SF out in plenty of foul weather situations. Most memorably the second Hoosier Hang.Quote:
Originally Posted by swankfly
I have a superfly, looking at it with pole mod in mind I was pondering 2 poles and adding ties at the pullouts instead of the ridgeline. since the pullouts will need seam sealing anyway.
I think length of zing it and a rock in a stuff sack tossed over a tree branch will weigh less and be just as effective.
I've been thinking an outside pole mod where those pull outs on the side are where the poles attach by way of some kind of grommet. Much like my hard rock winter tarp.Quote:
Originally Posted by Borday
Hi Swankfly, Just got my SF back form 2QZQ. Using a continuous ridgeline under my SF, here’s what I ended up doing:
We did not disturb the ridgeline at all.
1. ZQ added the pole pockets only. After I received it…..
2. I Tied a prussic to the center of my ridgeline.
3. Made a custom length pole from an old tent.
4. Ran the pole through the prussic loop, and inserted a pole end into the first pocket.
5. Put the other pole end in the second pocket.
(also works with an attached soft shackle)
Sorry no picks, will work to get some.
I want to give special thanks to Tim and Donna for their special care and attention. How wonderful to work with such good folks. Good luck!
Home Run
Nice simple alternative to having the ridgeline opened up. :thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Home Run
^^^^^ I like that... I liked the outside pole mod because it didn't mess with the seam... But I like the inside idea because it can be set up while its raining... I think I have my desires set up for a tarp I don't own yet :)
My Superfly never leaked during rain or snow.
Once I had the pole mod added and the ridgeline ribbon installed it did leak.
Water wicked into the stitches and down the ribbon. Subsequent seam sealing
has fixed this issue. Easy to do so no problem.
I do like the pole support. It lends some structure to a large tarp.
i got my superfly in '08 and i do plan on seam sealing it. maybe tomorrow :)
And those of you that hang in the snow...the inside pole vs. the outside pole...the inside pole doesn't create a "shelf" on the outside of the tarp for the snow to collect. ZQQuote:
Originally Posted by Brute1100
Alrighty! Thanks for the input, I have a tarp that has had continuous issues at the ridgeline after multiple seam seals. I am looking for dry, not drippy. I definitely want my cold weather tarp dry.
Thanks again, still sitting on the fence.
swank
I don't have the pole mod (yet), but good, bad, or otherwise- I sealed my seams and I haven't had any issues.Quote:
Originally Posted by swankfly
~r/s
+2 For SoundMan's comments.
Had 2 Qs pole mod...did not seam seal. Had plenty of leakage (luckily I was using it for the first time in the summer and was close to home).
Seam sealed as per 2 Qs instructions...no leakage since.
When I got my Superlfy (April 2011) I do not remember any instructions on seam sealing the side tieouts. Am I supposed to seam seal the side tieouts...ON THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE?
Thanks In Advance!
I did ...inside onlyQuote:
Originally Posted by WalksInDark
I have the Mamajamba. Brandon is using the same system on the ridgeline for that as on the Superfly.
Never had a drop come through it. Not even during horrific downpours in the rainforest of Borneo.
WalksInDark:
It doesn't matter which side you seam seal (inside or outside). As long as you cover up all of the holes the needle and thread made, you'll be dry.
Some people prefer to seam seal the inside for esthetic reasons though, not wanting to have seam seal shown on the outside of the tarp.
Up to you, really.
:)Per Brandon (owner of Warbonnet):
The easiest way is to set it up, and smear a layer (as thin as possible) on the stitches of the 4 panel pull patches (on the underside only should be fine) and leave up till dry (several hours)
I like GE silicone II as it dries a little quicker, you probably will want clear just be aware it comes in a few different colors