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  1. #1
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    perlon instead of spectra?

    Hello all,


    I'm finishing up making my hammock this weekend and I was wondering if i can use perlon instead of spectra. I know it's probably a bit heavier, but it's a LOT cheaper. I would be using 6 mm perlon, which is 5.7 Kn, so about 1400lbf breaking strength. just wonder if anyone has any experience with this cord and what they think.


    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Senior Member headchange4u's Avatar
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    I've never used that particular cord, but it's well within the specs to keep you butt from smacking the ground
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  3. #3
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    Do I guess correctly that you're a rock climber? Relatively few people know the term "Perlon" these days.

    6mm cord will do fine for suspending your hammock. However, since it's made of nylon, it will stretch somewhat. That's good for limiting peak loads; however, you may find that (particularly if it rains) you end up closer to the ground than you intended. Just make sure you hang it high.

    Good luck!

  4. #4
    Senior Member TiredFeet's Avatar
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    Besides the down side of nylon and stretch, 6 mm is approximately 1/4" thick.

    Most people on the forums seem to gravitate to 1/8" thick or 7/64" due to weight.

    If you don't mind carrying the weight, it will work so long as you compensate for the stretch.

  5. #5
    Senior Member sclittlefield's Avatar
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    Yup, 6mm works, but as mentioned, the stretch factor is tremendous. I use 4mm, sometimes 5mm, and if there's any real distance to cover between hammock end and tree (say, more than 4 or 5 feet) I have to have it really really high in the tree or the stretch puts me on the ground (I weigh in at 160 with wet clothes). Nylon has great memory too, so you'll have the same trouble night after night after night since it will go back to it's original length each time.

    Polypro or Polyester works great for webbing. Spectra or Amsteel (and other similar types) work great for line.

    Nylon is to be avoided if possible - but it does work and is strong enough to hold. It is, however unfortunately, what I still use (until I can get some spare cash and place an Amsteel Blue order).
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