BHBH vs Chrysalis

[Swingblade]

I'm going to pull the trigger on one of these. My Question is has anyone experienced both on overnighters? If so please do tell The Chrys is a newer 2011 & so is the BHBM but older ones are fine for comparison. If it matters, I'm 5'9" 230#ish.

For those interested or simply bored here's my take without having experienced either. Disregarding Jack is a local favorite to this board and pricing since the Chrys is a private 2nd sale, we'll call them even on these 2 issues.

BHBM: Pros
1. 2.3 lbs (without tarp)
2. Airy/roomy bugnet design
3. Spreader bars at ends & outside of hammock interior + made of aluminum
4. Tri-glides for quick, secure adjustments of tree webbing
Cons
1. Bug net does not detach completely (minor)
2. No intergrated tarp system & tarping around spreader bars takes more time & materials, especially if it's windy.
3. May sleep narrower but don't have stats on Chrysalis so

Chrysalis: Pros
1. Integrated tarp system. Not sure about this in a hot, AZ rainy night but good for winter. It does vent but I'm not sure that would be enough. Without the additional $$ Jungle bugnet, cover must be in place for bug protection - that could get pretty hot in my neck of the woods.
2. Large interior gear storage pockets
3. Quick set-up for weather since weather sock slides out of the way for convertible star gazing but slides quickly into place if needed.
4. It may sleep larger than the BHBM (hearsay) and it just looks cool lol
Cons
1. 5 lbs & packs larger than BHBM (not sure if that's with/without cover)
2. Spreader bars are inside sleeping area + made of steel
3. No quick adjust on tree webbing - simply tied off (Minor)

My heart wants the Chrysalis but my head is going to the BMBH. If I lived further north that would change. That said it comes down to which sleeps wider since that's the most important issue for me.

[Timberrr]

I have the pre-2011 Chrysalis and I looOOoove it.
I'm 6'1"+ & ~170#. I get a nice flat lie. I can shift and sleep on either side (or pee without getting out of the hammock).
I've done some modifiations to lighten it up a bit and to add whoopies for adjustability. I'm also toying with some ideas for adding netting to the tent top to open it up more. Note: I've never had a problem but if you grab the bar to pull yourself up, grab at the ends of the bar - or else. (potential total breakdown)
I've never tried a Bear Mt, but I've only ever heard good stuff about them. Looking at pics, it's a totally different approach to hammocking. With the BM you are in the hammock; with the Chrysalis you are on the hammock.
I don't know if any of that is helpful but there it is nonetheless.
Gumbo loves her ENO but as soon as she tried my Chrysalis I had to buy another one.

[GrizzlyAdams]

... That said it comes down to which sleeps wider since that's the most important issue for me.

The Chrysalis is a lot wider and flatter from the shoulders up, hands down. It narrows quite a bit by the mid-section though. While the BMBH is a lot deeper and narrower, there's no danger of feeling like you're going to inadvertently roll off the hammock, and the flatness and narrow waist of the Chrysalis is more likely to make you feel like that.

nobody said this was going to be easy!

[Timberrr]

I guess that's why they say "HYOH."

BTW if you come by the Grayson Highlands Hang this weekend, you could try out a Chrysalis...
Good luck!

[Mancat]

Why not have one of the diy bridge guys make you a chrysalis clone to your specifications.

[BillyBob58]

I'm going to pull the trigger on one of these.....

Where are you buying one of these?

[Swingblade]

Where are you buying one of these?

BMBH from JRB & the Chrysalis from a member here, kycamper. Jack said I could have a 2week tryout to test the BMBH for a night or two which is awesome. Shipping both ways would cost me Less than $30 IF the hammock doesn't work out. Unfortunately I don't have the same option for the Chrys'.

Why not have one of the diy bridge guys make you a chrysalis clone to your specifications.

Great idea, hadn't thought of that. I'm beginning to think the Chrys' may be a little narrow in the middle for me. All pictures I have seen have this petite lady which I'm probably 2-3 times as big as and Timberrr at 6'1' 170# doesn't match my bulldozer build. Jack looks fairly slim himself but at least the sides are higher in the BMBH. If the BMBH doesn't work out I might look into this. Of course cost is an issue for me and I cannot lie, I want something NOW. Weather has cooled and is perfect right now. I want to get out on the trail for some overnighters before it gets below 50 at night which is coming soon.

nobody said this was going to be easy!

This is beginning to dawn on me It would be easier if I had money to burn. I'd buy them both & re-sell one.

[BillyBob58]

BMBH from JRB & the Chrysalis from a member here, kycamper. Jack said I could have a 2week tryout to test the BMBH for a night or two which is awesome. Shipping both ways would cost me Less than $30 IF the hammock doesn't work out. Unfortunately I don't have the same option for the Chrys'.

Right, I meant to say "where are u going to buy the Chrysalis", as I know where to get a BMBH, in fact I have one! In fact, I have it up right now with my 25" wide Thermarest in it. Which, once again, greatly increases shoulder room and fetal position ability, at the expense of stability. Sure is comfy though, for a pad in a hammock.

Does that Chrysalis have a pad pocket?

So you are buying it from an HF member, eh? I was hoping you had found a retailer.

Hard to beat the Jack's letting you try a BMBH!

[Swingblade]

Does that Chrysalis have a pad pocket?

Yes

I was hoping you had found a retailer.

Eureka U.S. decided not to carry the new line but Chrysalis is still being sold by Eureka Canada & details and storefront can be found at inventors site:

http://www.helsdonoutdoors.com/

Interesting site worth looking at, pretty slick.
Shipping from Canada is pretty steep though ... somewhere in the neighborhood of $40. -$50.

[Swingblade]

Looking at pictures on both sites timberrr's statement;

Looking at pics, it's a totally different approach to hammocking. With the BM you are in the hammock; with the Chrysalis you are on the hammock.

seems to be accurate. The Chrysalis sure looks comfy but very narrow & low cut at center. Might not be much wiggle room for a guy my size.