Figure 9's...how well they work?

**Brian2w1** · 03-31-2011, 20:23

Was wondering how many of you guys and gals use figure 9's for your tarp and hammock tensioning needs. Do they loosen up over extended use? Has anyone had one break while connected to a hammock? And finally do they damage the rope over time? I picked a set up recently and thought I would get some feedback beforehand so I don't end up on the ground in the middle of the night.

Brian

**entropy** · 03-31-2011, 20:26

Originally Posted by Brian2w1

Was wondering how many of you guys and gals use figure 9's for your tarp and hammock tensioning needs. Do they loosen up over extended use? Has anyone had one break while connected to a hammock? And finally do they damage the rope over time? I picked a set up recently and thought I would get some feedback beforehand so I don't end up on the ground in the middle of the night.

Brian

They don't have the weight bearing capacity to be used for the main hammock suspension, so ending up on the ground is a pretty good possibility if you use them for such things...

Great for tarp ridgelines though.

**Dutch** · 03-31-2011, 20:26

They are standard issure for tarps but I don't know anyone who really uses them for hammock suspension. I did get a large one to hold 900 pounds once but it was hard on the rope.

**Bubba** · 03-31-2011, 20:33

I'm probably paranoid but I don't like them because I'm afraid of the wear on the cordage. I've tried them but I really like knots. Not using them means less things to lose or break plus everyone should know a few knots for tarps and whatnot IMO.

**Joey** · 03-31-2011, 20:37

I love using them for my tarp. I'm thinking on swapping out one of them for a knot bone. It'll be easier on the rope, and nice to use on the first anchor point. The fig. 9 side will be great for tightening the line.

**ChrisH** · 03-31-2011, 21:27

I love my f9 (biner version) for my tarp, I can get the ridgeline really tight with it!

**PackBacker81** · 03-31-2011, 21:31

I made a setup like Deucalion is talking about. I believe its called a continuous ridgeline. The figure 9 on the "tail" end is perfect for getting the tarp tension just right. Some folks have said smaller line can slip, but I use 2.2mm line and haven't noticed a problem. It works great and there's nothing to lose as everything is connected to the tarp. Check out whoopieslings.com or search on the forums to check them out.

**Brian2w1** · 03-31-2011, 22:08

Thanks for all the input!! I think I will give them a try on the tarp and just use desender rings for the hammock till I get some whoopie slings.

One more question...I haven't seen many posts about people using 550 cord for guylines on there rigs. Is there a reason I should stay away from it? The reason I ask is because I can get all the parachute cord I want for free at work and cant see buying what I can get for free.

Brian

**Joey** · 03-31-2011, 22:11

Originally Posted by Brian2w1

Thanks for all the input!! I think I will give them a try on the tarp and just use desender rings for the hammock till I get some whoopie slings.

One more question...I haven't seen many posts about people using 550 cord for guylines on there rigs. Is there a reason I should stay away from it? The reason I ask is because I can get all the parachute cord I want for free at work and cant see buying what I can get for free.

Brian

It streches, so your tarp won't stay taught. It also absorbs water, so you'll end up with a heavier, wet load out.

I have a huge spool of military 550 cord, and no idea what I'm going to do with it. I tied up my very tall tomato plants last year, and it streched out holding their weight to the stakes.

**Brian2w1** · 03-31-2011, 22:20

I had know idea about the stretch, very good to know. I use it all the time on alot of gear so it seemed like the obvious choice for guyline....looks like a trip to the store for some cordage that was designed for the task at hand.

Thanks,
Brian