Weight reduction program JRB Bridge

**MedicineMan** · 01-26-2010, 22:16

Following Prof. Griz's lead another weight reduction has occurred with the JRB Bridge. This time in the spreader bars:

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...php?i=8388&c=2

The 2 OEM spreader bars weigh 242.8 grams=8.56
The Carbon Fiber replacements weigh 122.9 grams=4 ounces

You might not be able to tell from the pics but one spreader is only 20 inches wide and this one is intended for the foot end where so much spread is not needed.

So 4.5 ounces saved! Combine this with Griz's weight reduction and we have a contender.

The hard details from the manufacturer:

Total length of combined long AL spreader 32"
Each part is 17" long x .676" ID x .742" OD
Al pc 1 with ferrule: 66 grams (ferrule is .583" x 675" x 4")
AL pc 2 without ferrule: 56 grams
AL total: 122 grams

Total length of combined long carbon spreader - 32"
Each part is 17" long x .625" x .693"
Carbon 1 with ferrule: 40 grams (ferrule .500" x .623" x 3.75" "2 out and 1.75 in"
Carbon 2: 32 grams
Carbon long total: 72 grams

Total length of combined short carbon spreader - 20"
Each part is 11" long x .625" x .693"
Carbon 1 with ferrule: 30 grams (ferrule .500" x .623" x 3.75" "2 out and 1.75 in"
Carbon 2: 22 grams
Carbon short total: 52 grams

Combined weight of both carbon spreaders: 124 grams

If any are intersted:
Contact Adam Weeks-
[email protected]

**Take-a-knee** · 01-26-2010, 22:30

Interesting. So, what is Grizz's weight reduction plan? What is the new achievable weight on this hammock?

**trigger hurt** · 01-26-2010, 22:30

what was your cost on those? I'd have to imagine it being custom work, it's a bit more expensive for setup.

**trigger hurt** · 01-26-2010, 22:31

t-a-k - in the video grizz posted about reducing the BMBH weight, I think he got it down to 11oz.

**MedicineMan** · 01-26-2010, 22:35

yep almost a total pound off the OEM. it was a fun project indeed. Griz did the heavy lifting though.

**IndyDan** · 01-26-2010, 23:03

MedicineMan:

Great spreader bars ... did you do the work?

I have been working on cutting weight on a DIY Bridge.
Some more suggestions:
1. Using cord instead of webbing material on the sides.
2. Using hiking poles instead of spreader bars. This has become much easier due to all the different cord slicing techniques shown on HF.
3. Deleting the rings that hold the spreader bar ends and use a spliced cord.

But these may not be easy on a JRB Bridge ... Looks like you are ready for a DIY Project!

**MedicineMan** · 01-26-2010, 23:11

so far I'm not a DIY...a shame I know, my excuse is time of course. I did none of the work on this project. Please when you can watch Prof. Griz's video on how he took off the major weight via removal of the rings and all the webbing and cutting down the bug net-this bridge now uses UCRs and Amsteel rings. My hiking poles are 72" long and don't collapse nor break(down) {the not breaking part might be good for use as a lever in removing those things hammock hangers are putting in the ground for treeless setups} but they probably won't easily work as spreaders!

**GrizzlyAdams** · 01-26-2010, 23:16

Originally Posted by Take-a-knee

Interesting. So, what is Grizz's weight reduction plan? What is the new achievable weight on this hammock?

I knocked back the 37 oz original weight by 11 oz, to 26 oz. That included already a 20" spreader bar at the foot, which made the spreaders weigh 7.5 oz rather than 8.5 oz. MedicineMan's poles reduces that by another 3.5 oz, so the BMBH he's packing is 22.5 oz.

There's more weight to lose if that's the objective—cut off the pad pocket. I wouldn't do it to my hammock, but the integrity of the hammock does not depend on it being there. There's at least a yard and a half of material in that, so at minimum you could shed another 3 oz. Sub 20 oz. Who'd have thunk it possible?

**MedicineMan** · 01-26-2010, 23:23

Seriously a 22oz bridge is remarkable. I'll take this opportunity to publically thank Griz for all the effort he made in this project.
Please tell us why you would not remove the pad pocket? Stiffness of the lay? capture of a ccf pad?
The reason I ask is that the JRB Bridge + the MW4 is a PERFECT marriage with no fiddle factor in the setup and proven time and time again to get people to seriously low temps.
I've spent now a total of 4 nights in a bridge; I'm not saying it's not for me-maybe it's just that I've spent years in a gathered end hammock(s)....but the bridge is becoming more and more attractive as it gets lighter and lighter!

**IndyDan** · 01-26-2010, 23:24

MedicineMan:
I just saw you are located near Roan Mountain,TN.
I would highly recommend a Section Hike on the AT to everyone in June with all the Rhododendron's in bloom!