The inner strands can be sepparated into smaller diameter threads. Don't take the following figures for gospel, this is off the top of my head and it's been a while since I've seen it in print, but I believe the seven separate inner strands are about 60 lbs "test" and each of those can be sepparated into finer strands of about 12 lb "test". Again, I'm not willing to bet a paycheck on the numbers, but I KNOW that they (the inner strands) can be (easily) unraveled into finer threads for sewing/fishing/etc. uses. Hope this explanation helps. Get a sample, strip it down, and this becomes obvious when you see what you've got to work with.

Troy

Thanks for your explanation.
What I mean is the cord I have bought cannot be used that way, as the 2 inner strands are made of some fluffy material ....
What they sold me is not what they advertise in their catalog.

Thanks for the heads-up. Those looking for "the real thing" know where NOT to order from. Sorry to hear you got stuck, at least (hopefully) it wasn't for a large sum of $$ <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Troy

Hi everyone,

Finally got the real stuff from countycomm. So I hope this comparison photo comes through alright on screen:


The orange paracord feels a lot stiffer and the webbing is a much finer weave. The 7 inner strands feel stronger than the 6 in the BCB counterpart. Just for the lark of it I added the accessory line. There are no inner strands in it, it's just a woven bunch of fibres.

The ruler is still in cm's <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Luca

Thanks for telling me about the 11 strand version...

Just ordered 120' of it(type IV) and 60' of 14(!!!)strand(typeV)

thanks for the link.
Will check....

I really appreciate the information provided in this thread. I went and checked the 100ft of cord that I bought from botac.com and it was only 6 strand. Not exactly the Mil-Spec 550 chute cord they advertized, or that I ordered. Now I have to ship it back to get the realy stuff. Thanks again. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Have just spoken to Chris ( electronically!) and ask for his permission to
post a reply to you all about the Para Cord that we stock here, in the UK.

We have had a lot of enquiries from you guys, from this thread so I am here
to perhaps help you out with some answers.

We know the frustration that some are having in finding the real 550 Para
Cord here in the UK so that is why we decided to stock it . With have it in
the following colours, Black, Desert Tan and Olive Drab.In comes in 100'
packs and of wonderful quality and we send awful lot across to mainland
Europe, so no problems if any of you guys over their are looking for some as
we can just pop it in the post!

If I can be of any further help, then please just drop me a line, I am more
than happy to answer any of your questions.

Best wishes.

Jack.