RE: Cinch Buckles w/ Cont. Loops: Better to Lark's Head around Gathered End or through Channel?

[fromkentucky]

Basically what the title says. Is it better to gather the end of the hammock and wrap the Continuous Loop around the outside with a Lark's Head or push the end of the Continuous Loop through the channel and pull the Cinch Buckle through the end loop to make a Lark's Head that goes through the channel? Pros and Cons of each? If I run it through the channel, will it damage the fabric or stitching at all?

[hutzelbein]

None is "better" - they're just different. Which method you use depends on what you want. I find that the lay of the hammock changes with the method of gathering the ends.

With regards to durability, I haven't heard that there are issues with either method. Dream Hammock started using the gathering method for thin fabrics (e.g. single layer 1.0z hammocks) instead of channel ends as they do with their other hammocks - I guess it doesn't put as much stress on the seams.

[12trysomething]

I always larks head...due to my laziness. I found I can save about 2 mins this way. I don't believe there is a "better" way.

Rob

[JCinPA]

I always larks head...due to my laziness. I found I can save about 2 mins this way. I don't believe there is a "better" way.

Rob

He uses a lark's head, he's asking should he do it through the channel or directly around the outside of the bunched end. He uses a lark's head either way. I'm not experienced enough to answer, but that's his question. Hutzelbein got to it a little bit with his response, I think. I've read here that one reason people like gathering the end and whipping it is they can pull the side ends a little bit making the edges of the hammock less floppy. You cannot do that if you use the channel, then the lay is what it is. But I think you'll get more consistency if you get it the way you like it and whip it tightly so it stays put. If you just larks head a continuous loop around the bunched end you'll be fiddling with it every time, and I'd just use the channel, then.

Like Hutzelbein, I've not read any issues with durability, I doubt there is one. But I'm parroting research only.

-John

[12trysomething]

Ok.....thanks.

[ADKrella]

Haha.....I larks head as well due to my fascination with energy conservation....

FWIW OP if you choose to larks head around, when you lay in the hammock the Amsteel will tighten up and won't come undone unless you want it to ....i.e. to swap out your suspension for whatever reason.
Ive also read this method depending on what size loops you have it can keep more of your suspension under the tarp and out of the rain. depending on your overall setup.

[Maddog5150]

I use the channel. Just preference, never tried the other way so I have no way of knowing what is "better". Mostly I like the nice clean look of the channel method. I can see where there would be concern about durability but I have not had a channel fail me yet and I'm 240lbs. Often have one of the kids in with me. Also my 7yo and her friends are constantly in there using the hammock as a swing in the basement. 7 year olds are anything but gentle on equipment.

[Dutch]

I also like the clean look of through the channel. I do a lot of bounce testing in hammocks and I have never had a durability issue with either method except when I tried Cuben fiber. That was a bad idea.

[fromkentucky]

I appreciate the helpful responses. I would prefer to use the channel simply because I don't want to change the lay of the hammock, nor lose that little bit of length.

[Nodust]

You may just have to try both ways to see what you prefer. I like going through channels if possible, but the other method would allow you to customize the hammock a little. Like pull the sides tighter or something like that.

I've done both and sleep well both ways.