Hi,

What could be the difference between paracord listed as "MILSPEC" and paracord that is not listed as such on the same site? Both have 7 innner strands. Both are listed as 550lbs and 1/8" dia.

Paracord page

Thanks

There probably is not much difference. I am sure most of it is made in the same way and is not mil spec at all.

I don;t know the specifications the military had for 550 paracord, but undoubtedly it involves type of nylon for the strands and sleeve, color, test strength of the sleeve and strands, type of braiding in the sleeves, whether or not there are any splices in the inner strands, maybe some temperature testing, etc, etc.

It's hard to know if a company advertising their 550 paracord as mil-spec is "mil-spec" or not. Who's going to test it? FBI? Army CID? Consumers? They're purveyors after all. Some other company is making the paracord and they are the ones claiming it's mil-spec.

Anyway, I look for it when I buy paracord. I just bought 400' a while back, of varying colors. It was all advertised as "mil-spec" so I assume it is, but there's no way that I know of to be sure. Certainly, if they're selling it to the military then it's going to be genuine. Then the unused (same stuff they would've sold to the military) is probably sold out to retailers.

I would think that the difference is: if it's not listed as "mil-spec" then it was made by a company that was just duplicating mil-spec paracord, without regard to the actual specifications (as listed in the previous post). So, it may not be quite as strong, i.e. it may not have been tested for strength and durability, it may not have the same quality of nylon, same consistency in color, etc.etc.

Probably for general use it would be allright but "mil-spec" doesn;t cost much more, if any, that I've noticed, so I stick with true 550 paracord (or at least that advertised as such).

What is a good source for colored paracord?

teacher.....
Check out Supply Captain.

smitty

Just a general FYI, but just because something is labeled as "mil-spec" doesn't mean that it is the best. Now I am not cracking on the military, it's my chosen career after all, but just be aware that sometimes/often there are better options out there.

For example, there is a Marine Safety Whistle and Starflash Signal Mirror on every USCG lifevest. I however choose to carry either a STORM safety whistle or Fox 40 and a Rescue Reflector or Rescue Flash signal mirror because I KNOW that the things I have chosen are better than the "mil-spec" standard. Another example is the "mil-spec" fishing kit. I am positive that someone with a little brains can put together a much better fishing kit by themselves.

It all comes back to what works for you. If mil-spec is fine, go with it; but often there are better alternatives. Another example: the military goes to great lengths to quickly rescue downed pilots, would some mil-spec pilot survival equipment for pilots automatically be the best choice for those of you out there that planned on bugging out for week/months?

And finally, as Strech pointed out, "who" says something is "mil-spec?" I can imagine that for some companies it might just be an advertising tactic to excite all the Lay-Z-Boy Rambos out there about their particular product.

Matt

Another nice source is http://www.countycomm.com .

I especially like their bright orange paracord!

Good question. Since I am a Coast Guard reservists, I am able to pick up my paracord at the local Army base. Of course, it's mil spec. I have also picked up some at the local camping store that is labeled "Type III". According to the package, it is rated at 550 lbs. I can't tell any difference betweent the two visually. I haven't figured out a good way to test it yet, but the mil spec is about $1.50 more expensive per 100'.

And Coastie09 makes a good point. Mil Spec doesn't mean the best. Militay requirements are for certain MINIMUM standards.

I couldn;t agree more that "mil-spec" is not necessarily the best in certain products (but it is in paracord). Any maker can take military specifications and, as long as they understand the reasoning behind the specs, make the product even better.

However, I couldn;t disagree more that military specifications are for certain "minimum" standards. I suspect you didn;t actually mean that but rather mis-phrased your sentence, intending to say that to meet "mil-spec" you must comply with certain minimum standards .

When military specifications are set out for any product, especially for something as important and crucial as paracord, engineers design the product specifications, calling for certain "minimums". Those that bid on making the product or that offer it for sale later to the military must meet or exceed the mil-spec guidelines. The military will purchase from a manufacturer that is exceeding minimum guidelines in the mil-spec, but that doesn;t mean that the mil-spec calls for a "minimum" product.

Speaking only about paracord, I would wager you WILL NOT get a better product that does not meet or exceed mil-spec. Could a company make it better and not advertise it as meeting "mil-spec"? Of course, but it would be pointless. If they did, they would market it under a different name and advertise how much better it is than mil-spec paracord.

If you want the best paracord, buy mil-spec (and hope it's not fraudulently labeled <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ).

I haven't ordered from these folks, but others have recommended them:

Supply Captain paracord page

As usual, you folks have given some great responses that help us understand better. I really appreciate everyone's time and effort on our behalf.

Michael

There is a "commercial" grade of 550 cord available from the same mills that produce mil-spec 550. It is made to a lesser standard and differs in the way the yarn is braided and in other ways left unspecified. Commercial 550 cord is much lower in price, is often available in a rainbow of colors and accounts for much of what is available at the retail level. To the best of my knowledge, genuine 550 cord is only available in white, od green and, I believe, black.

Absolutely right Stretch. Thanks for clearing up any confusion that may have caused.

Mil-Spec must meet min standards for the part or product made, BUT the Military usally will take the LOW BIDDER. After 20 years fighting with supply officers to get what I wanted I learned alot. When you get an Item one year that dose not mean that you will get it next year. After buying 6 BA'S for the fire department and using them for two years, when I needed to replace one , that company no longer had the contract and no longer meet Mil-Spec. But I got the units I needed buy showing the base commander and the supply officer they were saving money and trainning time on new units.