The instructions I got for my spectra kite line said that the line had to be stretched first before it was used. This seems consistent with this type polymer, which tempers after being stretched and sets up with little or no further stretch afterwards. I believe most spectra line has to be drawn like this. I dunno about other line/cord. I've never had to pre-stretch dacron. I think dacron is also harder to cut through than spectra line. I know dacron is definitely more abrasive, it is the most abrasive fishing line I've ever used. Would this make it a good line to snare things with? Hmmm....

You guys have any links you could share about the properties of Dacron line, esp. small stuff?

You've probably already seen this, but I found this paper by Tom Moyer on high strength cord interesting.

-john

I almost blew tea on my screen when I read that.

Years ago, before you could walk into a store and buy a decent roping rope, a/k/a lariat, we went to great lengths to 'build' nylon ropes. First, you had to pre-stretch: tie to a BIG tree or post on one end, your trailer hitch on the other, and stretch the hell out of it. Then, you had to find a nice sandy stretch of road, and drag the thing for miles until you had the right 'hand' on it [just the right amount of fuzz]

Next you had to tie the hondo [loop end] just right so the angle to the rope is perfect, and sew on a wear leather. Then, you bees-waxed it so it slid through the hondo just right. It is a lot of trouble. And you can start a really good fight over the right length.

Did I forget to say that everybody has their own preference for coil size so you can build your loop just right?

Cavanaugh, you down on this action, or do you not rope?

Nylon for ropin'? Wow, I can only imagine what would happen when that steer hit the end of the rope and instead of coming off his feet like he should, he just slows down a little, meantime the rope is humming in an ever increasing pitch, getting thinner and thinner. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

See, I was in a string mindset, forgot all about my Navy days playing with different line like that.

What's funny is spectra fishing line doesn't appear to need to be drawn like the kite line I used. They must've already done that before they spooled it. I hear there is no give at all in that fishing line.

Anyone ever make rope out of plastic grocery bags?

If so, it would appear you made Spectra rope! :-)

-john

That's what the pre-stretch is all about, my friend.