Min cordage for a Single Line Setup

[WVassello]

I have noticed that the posts on single line setups advise a 2500min break line. However, a few have gone is lighter.
Anyone have the lighter line actually break on them?
Anyone ever calculated (or somehow measured) the loads that the lines experience?
Could lighter line be used with the proper (or lack of) knots?

Lots of questions, head is spinning... I'm looking to setup my first system. And would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks all.

[ikemouser]

I use dynaglide, i weigh 150, nothing broke.

[DavidWa]

Anyone ever calculated (or somehow measured) the loads that the lines experience?
Could lighter line be used with the proper (or lack of) knots?
Lots of questions, head is spinning....

There was quit a discussion about how these loads are calculated about 3 years back. If you really want your head spinning take a peek at the calculations in this thread. Pages 8 - 11 seems to be about where an agreement was made and some summaries determined.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...?t=1213&page=9

Conclusion was basically at 30 degrees , tension = weight in the hammock.
Stretching tighter such that the hang angle is < 30 degrees and the tension force increases quickly. At 15 degrees the force nearly doubles. At 10 degrees the force nearly triples.

Perhaps more than you wanted to know about calculations on this topic. But you asked if it had been done. It has.

[Graybeard]

.........Lots of questions, head is spinning... I'm looking to setup my first system. And would appreciate the feedback.
Thanks all.

Start simple. Gain experience. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Once you've got some experience you'll be able to decide whether the other guy's innovation makes sense for you.
With today's materials, just about any cordage that's fat enough to be able to work with conveniently will be more than strong enough to support you. That means that other characteristics will most likely determine your choice. I use 7/64" AmSteel Blue for the reasons that follow. This is not a recommendation. It's an example of the decision-making process.

Strength:
Manufacturer's tested strength:
Average: 1600 lbs.
Minimum: 1400 lbs.
Manufacturer's recommended working strength: 700 lbs.
Working strength derated for knots: 350 lbs.
Load imposed on each end of single-line suspension (me in hammock with suspension at 30* +/-) :150 lbs. Note that this is overkill by a factor of 2.33.

Weight: Very light (0.3 lbs/100' or 2.4 oz for two 25' lengths)

Cost: Modest. Less than 30 cents a foot.

Durability: Excellent

Stretch: Virtually zero after the first couple of hangs. This is important because setup is a "What you see is what you get" proposition.

Surface: Rather slippery. While this can sometimes be a nuisance, it also has advantages: it makes adjusting easier and it forces the use of knots or termination techniques that are very easy to untie.

Easily spliced.

So, look at the whole picture, not just whether a given line is strong enough.