How tight should the ridgeline be when hanging?

[Spaceman]

I did my first ever hammock set up the other day with a new Ultralite Explorer. To minimize tarp sag, I followed the recommended 30 degree hang rather than the tight tree-to-tree hang suggested by Hennessy. What I was left with was a very tight ridgeline when I was actually hanging in the hammock. I seem to recall watching a set up video that said the ridgeline should not be guitar-string tight, but should have some play in it, but I don't recall if that was with a Hennessy. Should a Hennessy ridgeline be really tight when in the hammock?

[SilvrSurfr]

You probably saw a Warbonnet video - Brandon recommends the ridgeline be slightly loose. However, I don't see much point in a ridgeline that's not doing anything, and if it's slack it's not doing anything. I think Brandon means that if you have the 30 degree angle right then the fixed ridgeline doesn't come into play much. If you don't have an ideal 30 degree angle, then that's where the ridgeline comes into play to give you a consistent lay.

[Spaceman]

Yes, now that I think about it, it was Brandon talking about having a little flex in the ridgeline. I just don't want to snap it, as I've read more than one post about someone snapping a Hennessy ridgeline. Since I don't really know what I'm doing yet, the chances are high that I'll do the same without some guidance.

[SilvrSurfr]

I've had my Hennessy Expedition at less than desirable hang (20-25 degree) angles and the ridgeline held up fine. I like Zing-it ridgelines 'cause they're strong enough to absorb poor hang angles with no worries.

[nuttysquirrel]

Yes, now that I think about it, it was Brandon talking about having a little flex in the ridgeline. I just don't want to snap it, as I've read more than one post about someone snapping a Hennessy ridgeline. Since I don't really know what I'm doing yet, the chances are high that I'll do the same without some guidance.

wbbb rl's are amsteel, (i think) so don't worry about it.

[Spaceman]

wbbb rl's are amsteel, (i think) so don't worry about it.

But I'm concerned about the ridgeline on the Hennessy Ultralite Explorer, not the WBBB. I just remembered seeing Brandon discuss ridgeline tightness in one of his videos. Since I'm a noob, I wasn't sure if the slack he was talking about was something you shoot for in a Hennessy setup as well. I do have a BB XLC on my birthday list, so it would be nice to compare them. Fingers crossed.

[nothermark]

But I'm concerned about the ridgeline on the Hennessy Ultralite Explorer, not the WBBB. I just remembered seeing Brandon discuss ridgeline tightness in one of his videos. Since I'm a noob, I wasn't sure if the slack he was talking about was something you shoot for in a Hennessy setup as well. I do have a BB XLC on my birthday list, so it would be nice to compare them. Fingers crossed.

If you understand ridge lines you would know that slight tension is the sign of a good hang. The tighter the line the flatter the angle that it is compensating for. There is some stretch and settling as the suspension slack is taken up especially if using knots . I think Hennessy says tight to allow for that. I do not recall what Brandon says. Either way snug but not guitar string is the way to go when you are in it. Besides that keeps the organizer out of your face. ;-)

[nuttysquirrel]

in that case i would just make it taut,not super tight.

[Theosus]

Just tight enough to strum a good baseline... that's what I like in a ridge line!

[Spaceman]

Just tight enough to strum a good baseline... that's what I like in a ridge line!

I think I could hit some high notes, so I need to make some adjustments. Thanks.