Tips for DD Frontline?

[Tord Hoppe]

Hey all.

I just received a DD Frontline hammock intended for my wife. I rigged it as instructed on their website but when I lay down in it I find that the sides sort of fold in over my body. I weigh in at about 97 kg in the nude. The hammock does have loops on the sides that I suppose are for pulling the sides out a bit which I have yet to try. The amount of "closure" that I noticed makes me think that one need to pull the fabric out as horizontally as possible, which may be tricky depending on the tarp setup.

Any top tips from Frontline users?

[Passinthru]

I used to own a Frontline. I found that when hung as tightly as recommended by DD the sides did wrap very tightly around my shoulders. By lessening the tension, and suspending more 'conventionally', the hammock was much more comfortable. I never could figure out why DD recommended such a tight suspension. Mine did not have the side loops - I added some to mine but never used them after finding a better suspension tension.

[muguvian]

I've tied the sides out for a couple of nights out of curiosity and that did flatten it out. I didn't think it was uncomfortable without tying it out, though, either. I prefer not tying it out so I can enjoy the slow swing. Maybe in warmer weather flattening the bed would be cooler. I always use a looser set-up suspension than what DD says.

[Thom]

Are you trying to lay diagonally in the hammock?

[Tord Hoppe]

Well, I did try a diagonal lay, but can´t really see how it´s possible in that design, it behaves more like a bridge hammock. With the bug net suspended (which works great) the sides really come in close together. The profile is not far from a figure 8, which feels odd given how they make the bug net lift away from the face. I´ll see how it behaves with less tension on the suspension cords and also a pad in between the layers that may assist in pushing out the side fabric. Also, since my wife weighs a lot less than me it may be a non issue for her.

[Highbinder]

I too used to own a frontline. I found their stock suspension terrible (and also stretchy). I'd recommend putting a ridgeline in (about 2 1/2 m), then vary to taste) to begin with to allow you more sag and a better lay. Another plus is you can clip the bugnet to it. It'll help you find what you like and keep the consistency each time you hang.