If Amsteel's the best what is 2nd best?

[DiverDn]

What line is almost as good as Amsteel and I can find it readily available at a big box lumber yard?

To be honest I don't know where to start. Should it be cotton, nylon, hollow, braided, etc.

John

[angrysparrow]

I don't think you're going to find anything like Amsteel at a Big Box store, really. A sailing shop or perhaps a kite shop might have some, though.

Of course there's always the option to order online. APS, Seattle Marine, etc.

Also - Amsteel is wonderful for certain uses. Other cording is perhaps better for different applications. Tell us what you want to do, and we can answer more specifically.

[DiverDn]

Sorry, I want to use it for a ridge line as main support for a gathered end hammock.

[ricegravy]

I use Amsteel for my ridgeline. Works great.

[Greg Dunlap]

What line is almost as good as Amsteel and I can find it readily available at a big box lumber yard?

To be honest I don't know where to start. Should it be cotton, nylon, hollow, braided, etc.

John

There's also Blue Water from REI CLICK HERE

The 6 mm cord is rated at 1,888 lbs Here's the web site where you can get the ratings for their line http://www.bluewaterropes.com/

[Topplestack]

Part of why Amsteel is so good is not just that it is one of the strongest for it's weight, but that it is often alot cheaper then just about everything else out there that even tries to compete. I get mine from Redden Marine and they have been by far the cheapest I have found.

[amac]

I agree with JTCreative. Redden carries the 7/64 at 16 cents per foot. You can't go wrong.
http://www.reddenmarine.com/site/ite...AMRAMSTLBLU764

[angrysparrow]

I agree that Amsteel is very very good cording. But, it also depends on the original poster's chosen suspension method. For instance, if he is planning to use a Garda Hitch then Amsteel is the wrong choice because of it's slippery nature and ability to be deformed between rings. But, for something like one of the recent constrictor knots or perhaps a slipped buntline hitch, then it is a great choice.

[adkpiper]

Greg, unless you're talking about their Titan Dyneema 5.5 mm cordage, I wouldn't go with Blue Water line for supports. They're all going to be nylon, which will stretch noticeably under load.

They're designed and sold for climbing, where a certain amount of impulse-reducing stretch is highly desirable. So the hammock use may not be as great.

[DiverDn]

angrysparrow,

Lets say that I do want to use rings and a grada hitch, what would I use?

Thanks for all the responses, I am learning a lot.

John