Originally Posted by
DemostiX
The answer you get depends on where you ask the question. Maybe this should go in the General Hammock Talk sub-forum, where you'll hear from those who have other hammocks.
Since you asked about an NX-250: I have one because I could at the time, a previously owned one; but I'm about to sleep in a smaller body Clark tonite, by choice, or not too much sacrifice.
First, as with Hennessy, you buy a package: hammock, suspension, and tarp. Clark gets to its most expensive model, the NX-250, by building up features. For value you can appraise it by pricing components, pricing them as they come off.
First, the tarp. Not the biggest, but well made, so value it at $100. We're down to $330, including the zippered weathershield, a $60 feature. Take it away, and we're down to $270. The 6 sewn, elasticized, and velcro pockets. $60. Down to $210. Clark makes a line of hammocks with smaller bodies. Value the size as a $20 upgrade: Down to $190. Now the hoops to hold up the net and weather shield and make it all seem roomy, as a feature: $40. We're at $150 for a double side entry bug-netted, US Made hammock without compromise in zippers, nylon, or construction. Not very different from what the few other US maker charge for that.
Fans of other hammocks will snort that they get more for their money. If you don't have too much money, or if you are pretty certain a $30 hammock will make you happy and give you all you want, then the advocacy at the $150-$200 level is beside the point.
I just gave the feature-pricing schedule that results in a $430 NX-250 package. Off the bat, if you have no interest in the included rain fly, loving another, then on economic grounds the NX-250 is out. And the allowance Clark offers to leave it out, $50-$60 is too small. Also the pockets cost Clark to put on, but are of no value to many potential customers. But, the perception that Clark charges an arm and a leg is wrong, just as the charge that it is overly heavy is factually wrong. (You can sleep on a stretchier body and be comfortable. But, the firmness and durability of the Clark come at (a modest) weight penalty.
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