Clark 'Feature' Claims

[NCPatrick]

We know all marketing is strictly true, right? (I'm kidding).

[Riverpirate]

Ahh heck you guys are right, no manufacturer should claim anything since there are just too may variables. I mean a guy could buy a hammock that is perfect for him and then lose weight and oops it no longer works.

It is advertisement guys, take it for what it is worth.

[NCPatrick]

But I agree these fabric questions are well worth researching.

[Mustardman]

We know all marketing is strictly true, right? (I'm kidding).

Your point is well taken, but marketing can be done with a spin, or it can be done in a way that it states absolutes. The same statements, worded somewhat differently, on Clark's website, would be much less inflammatory. For example, if you stated 'thinner fabric hammocks can often tend to lack durability', rather than '1.1 hammocks are designed to fail', it would require much less rigorous proof.

By claiming absolutes, Clark has set themselves up for criticism.

[PapaSmurf]

Durability: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration; also : designed to be durable <durable goods>

Strength: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance : power to resist force : solidity, toughness : power of resisting attack : impregnability

How many members here have actually "worn out" a hammock?

How many members here have had a fabric "fail" by ripping or tearing?

[NCPatrick]

Your point is well taken, but marketing can be done with a spin, or it can be done in a way that it states absolutes. The same statements, worded somewhat differently, on Clark's website, would be much less inflammatory. For example, if you stated 'thinner fabric hammocks can often tend to lack durability', rather than '1.1 hammocks are designed to fail', it would require much less rigorous proof.

By claiming absolutes, Clark has set themselves up for criticism.

I agree with your analysis. That's why I NEVER use absolutes in making a claim. All materials will fail at some point, won't they? It's just a matter of time. Heavier materials may postpone this inevitability until a bit later in time -- Durability, as stated above.

[Cannibal]

[B][I][U]How many members here have actually "worn out" a hammock?

How many members here have had a fabric "fail" by ripping or tearing?

Off the top of my head, I'm hesitant to throw out a number. But, there have been several posts over the years of hammocks failing. In fact, there was one very recently concerning a Trek Light.

Lightweight gear isn't going to last as long as a heavier option. I don't think there is much arguement there. Then again, H/D trucks don't often compare themselves to compact cars, which is kind of what I see as the problem when they threw in the part about "lightweight hammocks". Apples and oranges.

[Mustardman]

How many members here have actually "worn out" a hammock?

How many members here have had a fabric "fail" by ripping or tearing?

This is the real crux of it - regardless of whether 1.1 is theoretically more likely to wear out or fail, how many times has it happened? How many failures have been the result of the fabric's weight and not some other factor?

Until Clark can establish any actual history of these failures, they are blowing smoke.

[Bomber]

I have a lot of different hammocks. Ranging from lightweight nylon(WB's 1.7) over the "normal" polyester(here i'm just thinking weight) to the somewhat heavy cotton models(both woven and net).

And much to my surprise, it's the lightweight models that are holding up best
The place i can see the wear, is if i have been wearing jeans or something with metallic-buttons(i have made several holes because of these, in my poly hammocks).

Just some casual observations.....

[PapaSmurf]

Off the top of my head, I'm hesitant to throw out a number. But, there have been several posts over the years of hammocks failing. In fact, there was one very recently concerning a Trek Light.

Lightweight gear isn't going to last as long as a heavier option. I don't think there is much arguement there. Then again, H/D trucks don't often compare themselves to compact cars, which is kind of what I see as the problem when they threw in the part about "lightweight hammocks". Apples and oranges.

I've had hammock fabrics tear or rip because they "failed" to carry the weight for one reason or another.

I've never yet seen a hammock that got "worn out" through normal use like you would see in say, a backpack. Maybe others have?

I agree, with you on the flawed comparisons.
Ideally, would the H/D truck and the compact car last the same amount of time if they were each used within their intended purposes?