Without negating the comments made by Fernando and Alex...... Spectra is a trade name owned by Allied for a rope made of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE). see http://tensiontech.com/papers/fiber_id/fiber_id.htm for lots of good information on synthetic ropes/lines. IIRC, spectra is polyethylene (PE) that has been pre-stretched so as to be 'stronger', and as such it's strength lies in its ability to withstand tension. Spectra lines are used in sailing applications requiring high strength and low stretch lines, though the Spectra may be the core of a kernmantle line sheathed in another material. One telling characteristic of Spectra/HMPE is a stiffer 'hand'. Besides the pre-stretching, producers can also play with the molecular weight of the PE (how long the individual molecules of the plastic are), which will also alter the properties of the material. I remember hearing of a comparison that some professional whitewater guides made on the utility of rescue lines made of various types of line - while the Spectra throw line had impressive statistics on the lab bench, in real-life applications of setting up Z-drags to free a pinned raft, braided nylon lines were the best overall performer. A spectra rudder line in a tubing sheath should perform superbly, as it's a slippery, lightweight, non-rusting, low stretch material that doesn't absorb moisture. Areas of concern would be UV resistance, and how to attach it without kinking/stressing it, and thereby creating the 'weak link' point in the system. On the Prairie Coast, Erik Sprenne Fernando wrote: > > I prefered to use a rope called > >SPECTRA (in Argentina). This rope is the one used for parachutes. It has a > >kevlar core and if it expands, I really donīt noticed it. The cords slides > >through a rubber tube as long as it is operationally possible. > > Alex wrote: > As Fernando says, Spectra is the way to go..... > > It does help to run the Spectra through tubes and we use home irrigation > tubing, about 4 mm ID. and 2 mm Spectra. It might sound thin and look thin > but that's all you need. > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Aug 31 2000 - 22:05:33 PDT
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