Poll - What Cordage do you prefer

[cave_dweller]

anyone that uses dyneema just remember that there is no stretch whatsoever in dyneema, which may or may not be beneficial depending on task, guess everyone knows that already anyway so no doubt a useless addition to this thread.

Actually I think it's a good point, and well worth pointing out. The lack of stretch is one reason why I rarely use dyneema for anything that's going to get pulled tight. If you rig dyneema tight, it can put *huge* loads on the supports. See the pic below...

Back on topic, I use a mix of bank cord, decent paracord and natural cordage. If there is a risk that I'll forget it or not be able to retrieve it, I try to use something that will degrade naturally without endangering wildlife.

 

[spandit]

I've got a big roll of starter cord - very strong & abrasive resistant. I've also just bought a massive ball of sisal which will be good for tieing up bundles of kindling etc. and should be plenty strong enough for most things.

Dyneema is overkill for bushcraft, IMHO and paracord is too stretchy & soaks up water too well

 

[TinkyPete]

my cordage needs are met by new issue green string which is 12 twine polythene cord with a breaking strain of about 200lbs, Jute twine, Para cord, climbing rope, climbing tape material which I have in two different strengths and even natural stuff like roots, nettles etc.

It all depends on what I want it for and what I have to hand

 

[Teepee]

All of my tarp and hammock cords are Dyneema and have been for a few years. I love the stuff. Tough, UV resistant, keeps it's strength down to stupid cold temps, doesn't soak up water, knots OK if needed, lightest line of its type in the world and will be for while yet. There are stronger fibres for the weight woven into ropeage but they don't flex well (Like PBO)

For a general line, I can't imagine anything any better than the English braids stuff in the group buy. If a better line exists, I don't need it. Myself and friends have been using it for 3 or 4 years now. Tangles usually just shake out and it just doesn't seem to get dirty. Not even conifer resin seems to stick to it.

I'm not sure where the author of the wikipaedia entry gets his info from. Polyethylene is tough stuff on its own, even before getting spun into UHMWPE fibres (think plastic drinks bottles and kitchen cutting boards)
UHMWPE is used for lining aggregate truck beds and making bulletproof jackets!

Biggest problem with any UHMWPE line (Dyneema/Spectra/Chinese generics) is its low melting point, it starts to degrade much over 100c. So, not the best line for hanging the dutchie off a tripod but other than that....