Sterling Cord

[KMACK]

Has any one used "Sterling" cordage that is sold at EMS?

[headchange4u]

Got a link?

[angrysparrow]

I think he means EMS, but they sell a whole bunch of different types of cording under the Sterling brand.

[KMACK]

Yes Angrysparrow is correct "Eastrsn Mt. Sports". 4mm accessory cord is listed as having a tensile strength of 1034 lbs...5mm @ 1144. But it doesnt say whats its made of.

[Mustardman]

I've used Sterling ropes and cord extensively for climbing but never for hammocking. Obviously, I trust their ropes with my life, so that should say something about the quality, but I don't know anything about the specific cord you're looking at. They are usually really good about answering customer questions over email so you might want to give that a shot.

[Narwhalin]

I believe ropes used for climbing have a larger amount of stretch than is desirable for hanging. Most of us use some form of line that is used for sailing applications. They stretch less...but I don't know anything about that particular line.

FYI, I scored some 3mm sailing line at my local sailing shop (yes, they have one in Wichita! ) for .25 a foot.

[Mustardman]

I believe ropes used for climbing have a larger amount of stretch

This is mostly true for climbing ropes, with a few exceptions for specialized gear. It's not always so true of cord. A lot of climbing accessory cord is made from nylon, and so it will stretch a bit, but some of it is made from dyneema or spectra or other fancy brand named tech cord which hardly stretches at all. The type of weave will affect it quite a bit, too. I have an 8mm cord I use for tying anchors, which has quite a bit of stretch (by hammockers' standards), and a set of 7mm cords I use for self-rescue and ascending, which have very little stretch. Both are nylon, but very different weaves.

That's why I suggested emailing Sterling directly. They are a small company and happy to answer customer emails. If you can get in touch with Jim, he's a great guy who loves talking ropes