Everything you always wanted to know about Amsteel but were afraid to ask

[MrClean417]

You left out the fact that it is woven by elves and they use baby seal tears for lubrication in the process BUT other then that, very informative.

Them Elves is precious.

[Gravity]

Agreed. Thanks for pulling all of this together into one post - and please don't think my questioning is aimed at detracting. Your post actually just made me stop and think about whether or not I could accurately say I ordered one or the other, etc.

Not at all, your post was exactly the kind of response I was hoping to get - focused on the topic at hand, and adding value. Your remarks were spot on and 'inspired' me to re-visit the websites of three different vendors, and this is what I found:

- Dutch uses the name 'Amsteel' for rope rated at 1600 lbs. So either the name or the rating are incorrect. Most likely the name.

- Simplylightdesigns.com uses the name 'Amsteel Blue' and matches it with a 1600-lb rating.

- DIYgearsupply.com also uses the name 'Amsteel Blue' and publishes a rating of 1400 lbs. Probably being conservative, using the minimum breaking strength (MBS) rating, rather than the average BS.

[Gravity]

Just received this message from Alex at Dutchwaregear.com:

"Our boxes and spools are labeled as Amsteel Blue and are rated at what we have listed on our website."

So as far as I am concerned, the issue is settled: What is being commonly sold today for hammock suspension is Amsteel Blue. Thanks to silentorpheus for spurring the search for truth!

I am going to make some edits to the opening post to reflect this updated understanding.

[Dutch]

We at Dutchware use Amsteel Blue however we only list it as Amsteel because of all the confusion having a color in the name of a product, actually many products, that comes in multiple colors. Can you imagine all the emails that would come, if you are order an Amsteel Blue Red whoopie slings with Amsteel Blue green loops on your head end and Amsteel Blue blue loops on the foot end. So for simplicity sake we list it as Amsteel and list the breaking strength. The OP's post would be an excellent thing to put in our FAQs as it addresses this very question well and I solute you for this excellent thread. It highlights the confusion and misconceptions.

Now please write one on what the differences in zing it and lash it are and why there is red and yellow zing it and grey lash it.

[Gravity]

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[Gravity]

We at Dutchware use Amsteel Blue however we only list it as Amsteel because of all the confusion [of] having a color in the name...

OK, thanks, that is very clear.

[GadgetUK437]

A few more factlets;

• Amsteel, Dyneema, Spectra... All brand names (hence the capitalisation)
  It's all UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene), but that ain't sexy.
• Not all UHMWPE rope is the same.
  There are a lot out there which use a UHMWPE core, covered with a protective sheath of Nylon or Polyprop
  For easy splicing, ultimate strength, low stretch and light weight you need single (hollow) braid line.

[FJRpilot]

Thanks Gravity, great post. I learned a lot and appreciate the effort you made to make this available to us.

[Alamosa]

Gravity, this is great information. Thanks for sharing. Would I have your permission to print and share this with our scout leaders?

[Gravity]

You're welcome, Alamosa. Use my humble post as you see fit. If instead of printing you copy it to a Word document, the links should still work.

And you're welcome FJR! Thanks for your post.