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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Favorite Amsteel source?
 
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06/08/2018 07:24AM
 
What’s the difference? I found these from the same company -
1. “Samson Amsteel Blue rope 7/64 with visible tracer” 600 ft for $65


2. “Samson Amsteel Blue rope 7/64” 600 ft for $107


Why a $40 difference for what appears to be very similar products?

 
KarlBAndersen1
04/11/2018 07:16AM
 
Othello: "Wick: "Thanks for that link othello and bcelect
Thanks for explaining tracer magicpaddler
Since i have no rope and need it everywhere for tarp and tent and everything else, i figured i would just go ahead and buy the 7/64-600 ft roll. Free shipping, and came out to less then .13 per ft.
It’s on the way!
Think it is too small for painter line?"

Nice! This is great stuff, and works well for continuous loops, soft shackles, dog bones, utility constrictor ropes (UCRs), whoopee slings, etc. Lots of tutorials online (YouTube, etc.).
You will likely get some Samson documentation with your spool. Take a look at this. Note that amsteel is awesome for splicing, but as Dyneemaguy previously mentioned, it does not like knots. I doubt that you'd use anything close to the safe working limit of amsteel for tarps, tie-outs, or clothes lines, etc., but nevertheless, knots do derate its strength. I can't speak to how well amsteel holds knots, either, as I've never tried it. Amsteel absolutely works for painters (again, qualification for knots), and as a side benefit, it does float.
tombo131: "Along this same topic, does anyone know of a company that makes hardware like the Dutchware Tarp Flyz but for larger diameter rope (like Amsteel 7/64 or 1/8)?"
Loopaliens, or similar, work with amsteel, I believe. A lot of Dutch's hardware is pretty specialized (and pretty awesome) for 1.75 dyneema and the like, and I haven't seen anything like it for larger cord."



Thank you for all that. I'm quite familiar with it - I have it on my Whoopie Slings, ridge lines and all my tie-outs now.
I love it.
I was just looking for an affordable source for more for my new tarps. And I like it for general use.
I did get a hundred feet and may buy a 600' roll and sell a few hundred foot sections to others around here.




 
tombo131
04/06/2018 09:09AM
 
Just ordered some 1.8mm dyneema from this place. 50m roll was 29.99, it didn't charge me for shipping.


https://www.nautilusspearfishing.com


I've never ordered from them before.. so we'll see how this goes. But 18 cents per foot of 1.8mm dyneema is a good price.
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/04/2018 08:20AM
 
What is your go-to online source for Amsteel?
I got a nice supply a few years back but can't seem to locate the availability and price I'm familiar with.
Have you found a price competitive source?
 
brotherbear
04/04/2018 03:58PM
 
dutch ware gear
Dutch Ware amsteel
 
MagicPaddler
04/04/2018 12:59PM
 
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--amsteel-blue-dyneema-as-78-single-braid--P014895700


http://www.amsteelblue.com/amsteel-blue-1-4-synthetic-rope-by-the-foot-7-700-lbs/

 
KarlBAndersen1
04/04/2018 02:23PM
 
MagicPaddler: "https://www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--amsteel-blue-dyneema-as-78-single-braid--P014895700



http://www.amsteelblue.com/amsteel-blue-1-4-synthetic-rope-by-the-foot-7-700-lbs/
"



I appreciate that. The second one doesn't stock any 7/64 or 1/8" which we would normally use and that first one is $.60 a foot!! Double the going price.
Thanks - I'll keep looking.
 
thebotanyguy
04/04/2018 02:26PM
 
DIY Gear Supply:


Link for cord/line

 
HighnDry
04/13/2018 05:56PM
 
For all you science nerds of which I am one too:



My dad was an organic chemist -- it rubbed off a bit :)
 
HighnDry
04/13/2018 06:03PM
 
More UHMWPE info on its breaking strength plotted against temperature.

 
GearJunkie
04/14/2018 04:29PM
 
HighnDry: "More UHMWPE info on its breaking strength plotted against temperature.
"



That graph is a little off on the positive C side. Shouldn’t it be 20, 40?
 
HighnDry
04/14/2018 05:14PM
 
I notice that when I pulled it from the website. It must be a typo. The temps should all be in Fahrenheit.
 
Dyneemaguy
04/09/2018 11:55PM
 
Dyneemaguy: "HighnDry: "Interesting material. I never heard of this type of cord. Are the tensile strength characteristics greater than say 3mm reflective utility line such as one can buy as REI? I use this to hang my food barrel. I'm curious if perhaps this is a better product."
7/64" Amsteel is rated at 1600lb. "

Knots reduce it as much at 50%, whoopies about 10%.
 
Wick
04/10/2018 05:30AM
 
What is a “tracer” ? Is that a reflective thing?
 
Dyneemaguy
04/09/2018 11:50PM
 
HighnDry: "Interesting material. I never heard of this type of cord. Are the tensile strength characteristics greater than say 3mm reflective utility line such as one can buy as REI? I use this to hang my food barrel. I'm curious if perhaps this is a better product."
7/64" Amsteel is rated at 1600lb.
 
MagicPaddler
04/10/2018 06:46AM
 
Wick: "What is a “tracer” ? Is that a reflective thing?"
In rigging straps a tracer is a thread of a different color that will break first if the strap is overloaded. The broken tracer will stick out of the strap showing that the strap should not be used.
 
Wick
04/10/2018 08:52AM
 
Thanks for that link othello and bcelect
Thanks for explaining tracer magicpaddler

Since i have no rope and need it everywhere for tarp and tent and everything else, i figured i would just go ahead and buy the 7/64-600 ft roll. Free shipping, and came out to less then .13 per ft.


It’s on the way!

Think it is too small for painter line?
 
tombo131
04/10/2018 09:11AM
 
Along this same topic, does anyone know of a company that makes hardware like the Dutchware Tarp Flyz but for larger diameter rope (like Amsteel 7/64 or 1/8)?
 
Othello
04/10/2018 11:09AM
 
Wick: "Thanks for that link othello and bcelect
Thanks for explaining tracer magicpaddler


Since i have no rope and need it everywhere for tarp and tent and everything else, i figured i would just go ahead and buy the 7/64-600 ft roll. Free shipping, and came out to less then .13 per ft.



It’s on the way!


Think it is too small for painter line?"



Nice! This is great stuff, and works well for continuous loops, soft shackles, dog bones, utility constrictor ropes (UCRs), whoopee slings, etc. Lots of tutorials online (YouTube, etc.).


You will likely get some Samson documentation with your spool. Take a look at this. Note that amsteel is awesome for splicing, but as Dyneemaguy previously mentioned, it does not like knots. I doubt that you'd use anything close to the safe working limit of amsteel for tarps, tie-outs, or clothes lines, etc., but nevertheless, knots do derate its strength. I can't speak to how well amsteel holds knots, either, as I've never tried it. Amsteel absolutely works for painters (again, qualification for knots), and as a side benefit, it does float.



tombo131: "Along this same topic, does anyone know of a company that makes hardware like the Dutchware Tarp Flyz but for larger diameter rope (like Amsteel 7/64 or 1/8)?"


Loopaliens, or similar, work with amsteel, I believe. A lot of Dutch's hardware is pretty specialized (and pretty awesome) for 1.75 dyneema and the like, and I haven't seen anything like it for larger cord.
 
Amsteelguy
06/08/2018 11:02AM
 
: "What’s the difference? I found these from the same company -
1. “Samson Amsteel Blue rope 7/64 with visible tracer” 600 ft for $65



2. “Samson Amsteel Blue rope 7/64” 600 ft for $107



Why a $40 difference for what appears to be very similar products?
"

The one with the tracer was a blem. I believe the tracer should be of same material and not reduce the strength. A lot of the blems were shipped out and asked to be returned, I understand some distributors decided just to sell it rather than ship it back.
 
06/08/2018 08:10PM
 
So supposedly reputable companies are sellling a product as a blem but not telling the customer it is a blem? That sounds pretty rotten.
 
Dyneemaguy
06/08/2018 08:41PM
 
Not really, they don't try to hide it. It is listed with visible tracer. Upfront in MHO. A great deal.
 
06/09/2018 07:45AM
 
Ok, it’s clear I’m a novice with this product. School me. As I understand it, amsteel rope comes with a tracer, though not visible (the same color as the rope itself?). When amsteel is sold “with visible tracer” it is considered a blem because the tracer is visible. Is this accurate?


Then Amsteel Blue rope comes in different colors. Why is this? Or why is it called Amsteel Blue when it comes in red?


In posts I’ve of read of amsteel & dyneema being used interchangeably. What I gather is that amsteel is made from dyneema fibers. Then there are different grades or levels of fiber. Amsteel blue being made from SK75. Though AS78 is another option.


So is one grade of fiber advised over another?


Thanks in advance for the education
 
epwilson2
06/09/2018 10:38AM
 
I get most of my DIY gear from ripstopbytheroll.com


The link for amsteel is below. Ive used it for multiple projects and am happy with the product and customer service.


https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/spliceable-cordage/products/amsteel
 
bcelect
06/09/2018 12:25PM
 
"Ok, it’s clear I’m a novice with this product. School me. As I understand it, amsteel rope comes with a tracer, though not visible (the same color as the rope itself?). When amsteel is sold “with visible tracer” it is considered a blem because the tracer is visible. Is this accurate?"
That's about the size of it.
The original color is probably blue it does bleed color a bit, the other colors do also bleed, I have silver and haven't noticed much bleed off onto my hands.
It was Dutch of Dutchware dot com who let the hammock Forum community in on the Blem aspect. Dutch deals with Samson directly so He was probably privy to the lot of tracer blue.
It is called Amsteel Blue by Samson. You would have to ask them why they also have different colors called Amsteel Blue.
The only source which I can see with the visible tracer is LNF Marine and the way they listed it is "Made with Visible Tracer (Amsteel Blue typically has tracer hidden)".
They list the same strength as regular blue so I assume, (you know what happens when I assume), Samson is letting them sell it as such.
If you don't mind the tracer, it's a great deal at that price.
 
bcelect
06/09/2018 12:41PM
 
Amsteel doesn't hold knots too well, it is very slippery.
Amsteel knots reduce strength by up to 50%.
Splices reduce strength by about 10%.
What are you planning to use it for Guest Paddler? Deal On Amsteel Blue
 
06/09/2018 04:06PM
 
Thanks for the info.
I was going to use it for tarp rigging & and general use around camp.
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/04/2018 07:49PM
 
thebotanyguy: "DIY Gear Supply:



Link for cord/line
"



I was aware of that one, too. 1/8" is out of stock.


I'm familiar with all the basic Google search results.
I'm trying to find out if anyone knows of a place that doesn't try to rob a person for simple Amsteel.
It's just too bad everyone has become so greedy.
Thanks.
I'm about to the point where I just might buy a large 500-600 foot roll and sell it at cost to others until I get my expense paid.

 
MrBadExample
04/05/2018 08:27AM
 
When I look at Dutchware it comes to roughly 40 cents a foot.


This is for 25 feet and that includes shipping and tax.


$5.25 for the 25 feet of rope
$4 for shipping


How much am steel are you looking for?
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/04/2018 07:47PM
 
brotherbear: "dutch ware gear
Dutch Ware amsteel "



Right. That's where the shipping is 15 dollars. I already know that one.
I'm not gonna do it.
Thanks

 
KarlBAndersen1
04/04/2018 07:49PM
 
thebotanyguy: "DIY Gear Supply:



Link for cord/line
"



I was aware of that one, too. 1/8" is out of stock.


I'm familiar with all the basic Google search results.
I'm trying to find out if anyone knows of a place that doesn't try to rob a person for simple Amsteel.
It's just too bad everyone has become so greedy.
Thanks.
I'm about to the point where I just might buy a large 500-600 foot roll and sell it at cost to others until I get my expense paid.

 
BnD
04/04/2018 08:09PM
 
Buy Zing It. Zing It
 
boonie
04/05/2018 10:24AM
 
MrBadExample: "When I look at Dutchware it comes to roughly 40 cents a foot.



This is for 25 feet and that includes shipping and tax.



$5.25 for the 25 feet of rope
$4 for shipping



How much am steel are you looking for?"



How are you getting $4 shipping? When I tried it I got the same $15 Karl is talking about.
 
BnD
04/05/2018 10:41AM
 
MrBadExample: "When I look at Dutchware it comes to roughly 40 cents a foot.



This is for 25 feet and that includes shipping and tax.



$5.25 for the 25 feet of rope
$4 for shipping



How much am steel are you looking for?"



Agree a minor technicality I see $7.25 for red 1/8"dia. x 25' piece and $4.25 shipping even if I go to 100' (i.e. 4-25' pieces of red 1/8") the total with shipping is $33.60 or $0.34/ft. The 600' spool comes out to $0.274/ft. Not much mark up to get a smaller piece. Personally, I do not think that is expensive for premium zero elongation super high tensile strength cordage.
 
boonie
04/05/2018 11:36AM
 
OK, I got it. I wasn't going far enough - I needed to fill in the zip code and update. Try it again, Karl.
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/05/2018 01:38PM
 
MrBadExample: "When I look at Dutchware it comes to roughly 40 cents a foot.



This is for 25 feet and that includes shipping and tax.



$5.25 for the 25 feet of rope
$4 for shipping



How much am steel are you looking for?"



At least 100 feet. Just one ridge line for a tarp should be 50 feet.
 
MrBadExample
04/05/2018 02:47PM
 
I prefer to use 2.2 mm zing it for ridgelines and tie-outs. Plenty strong enough and much more affordable than 7/16 Amsteel. You can do all the same splices and turns, etc that you can do with the larger 7/16. Also much lighter and compact.


Just my thoughts.


Luckily, there is more than 1 way to skin a cat. :)


The cheapest I have ever purchased 7/16 amsteel was 29 cents a foot. That was with a coupon code from hammock forums a few years back.
 
KarlBAndersen1
04/05/2018 01:41PM
 
I did finally find some for $.30/ft and 12 bucks shipping.
I use it for nearly everything in camp. I do believe I may invest in a large spool and sell some to "friends".

 
boonie
04/05/2018 07:18PM
 
You may be interested in checking out the Lawson Equipment site. He makes specialized cordage at reasonable prices with free shipping. I have no personal experience with it (yet), but there are many very positive reviews out there.
 
HighnDry
04/05/2018 07:47PM
 
Interesting material. I never heard of this type of cord. Are the tensile strength characteristics greater than say 3mm reflective utility line such as one can buy as REI? I use this to hang my food barrel. I'm curious if perhaps this is a better product.
 
MrBadExample
04/05/2018 07:53PM
 
Zing it is too thin for a bear bag. Not because of the weight rating. Because it’s so thin that with a moderately heavy food pack it really hurts your hands to pull on it.


7/16 amsteel would work for a bear bag I suppose. A bear could still chew thru it though. It would be a pretty classy bear rope though.


Amsteel really shines in the world of hammock suspension. Very strong, lightweight rope that you can splice with.


Zing it is basically miniature version of amsteel. Works great for tarp rigging and other general camp use. It’s tiny. Abrasion resistant. Doesn’t stretch. Weighs nothing and is strong.
 
andym
04/05/2018 08:12PM
 
For camping people see Amsteel and dyneema line as a lightweight strong replacement for rope. For sailing we see it as a lightweight, strong replacement for wire rigging. It's that strong and the newest versions are so low stretch that they are getting used for applications under high tension where stretch is a bigger deal.


BTW, if you want a somewhat heavier line that is really easy on the hands look at a sailing store for line they recommend for sheets. Sheets are the ropes that are used to control the sails and good feel and control in the hand is highly important, along with low stretch.
 
HighnDry
04/05/2018 08:33PM
 
andym and MrBE,
That's great. Thanks for the explanations. I'm off shopping :)
 
MrBadExample
04/05/2018 08:50PM
 
So, uh, looks like I’ve been typing 7/16 instead of the correct 7/64.


My apologies.



 
Othello
04/09/2018 03:01PM
 
Here's one for you: Not as good a deal as it was 2 months ago, but this still beats anything else that I've seen, and free shipping. You do need to be in the market for a bit more than a 25' hank, though.
Here is the link to the 7/64, and they also do have 1/8:
Amsteel link


As an aside, Dutch is my go-to for small quantities, and I've never experienced crazy shipping costs.
 
bcelect
04/09/2018 04:46PM
 
A bunch of us on Hammockforums got in on a deal for 600 foot rolls. It first started out about $55 with free shipping. I bought one for myself at $65 but now it is $72.95, a bit higher, but still a great deal. We are also getting different colors and swapping. I believe it is the tracer which makes it a blem, thus a great deal.



Amsteel deal
 
Othello
04/09/2018 03:12PM
 
I agree with boonie about the Lawson Equipment referral. His Glowire, Ironwire, and Ultraglide Bear Line are my favorite in each respective category.
 
GearJunkie
04/12/2018 10:04AM
 
I buy the generic. Look for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. That all that Amsteel and Dyneema are.


Harbor Freight sells replacement ATV winch rope made of UHMWPE. I’ve winched ATVs out of thick Florida swamps with it. Cheap and strong.
 
mags459
04/12/2018 07:31PM
 
That's odd I have order twice from him and never got close to $15