What the difference between tubular webbing and "regular" webbing?
What the difference between tubular webbing and "regular" webbing?
Tubular is, well, tubular, and regular is flat. I think tubular stretches more (maybe because it's usually nylon instead of polypropylene?). At least that's my understanding. I'm sure there will be more technical analysis for you soon.
"Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities." - Mark Twain
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Tubular webbing gets a lot of use in climbing and rescue because of its abrasion resistance. As it was explained to me in a ropes class I took, when tubular webbing slides against some surface, there is more of a tendency for it to roll (because it's tubular I guess) rather than abrade against it. I don't know how accurate that is, but the guy who taught the class was a firefighter who spent his career in rescue, so I presume he's an expert.
I also don't know how this would apply to hammocking applications.
The stuff TeeDee is using (and so am I) for the bridge hammock is polyester. Unlike the photo in this link, I can't tell that it's tubular when I'm handling it, I'm not seeing the ends open up. * TeeDee got some of the 3/4" flat stuff also, and reports that it weighs more, for the same rating.
Grizz
*[later edit: the ends come apart easily. The tube lays flat otherwise]
Last edited by GrizzlyAdams; 07-19-2007 at 22:39.
Foot for foot, the tubular weighs more. On the flip side, tubular webbing of the same width will support more weight. For us that are on the heavier side, that can be a real good thing!!!!!
Peace,
Joe
Interesting - SailRite is adding even more polyester webbing now. When I first ordered from them, they had only the 1/2" tubular. I'm sticking with the 1/2" tubular since the width is just right for the Bridge Hammock, but the polyester webbing must be popular for them to be adding more.
And yes, I was surprised with the weight of the 1/2" tubular and the 3/4" flat. 30' of 1/2" tubular: 5.1 oz. 30' of 3/4" flat: 6.2 oz. Both are rated by SailRite at 1150#. I was expecting the 3/4" flat to be about 75% of the weight of the 1/2" tubular. I notice that their 1" flat is rated at 1500# and the 3/4" tubular is rated at 1600#. I would guess that if someone is concerned about using the 1/2" tubular at 1150#, then the 3/4" tubular would be a good choice.
I'm new to this forum and have been doing some quick reading and probably getting all confused. I thought I read somewhere that the cinch buckles did much better with flat webbing than the tubular stuff. Is this correct? If so, your use of a buckle or rings could determine if you go with tublar or flat.
If you faint in the face of adversity, your faith is small--Solomon
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