Uber noob wants to be well hung

[Friartuck]

I'm super new to the hanging lifestyle but am hoping that Santa brings me a Skeeter Beeter Pro or the fundage to get myself one this christmas. I'm set on the SBP for a couple reasons; I am a big guy and need the superior capacity, Michigan's state bird should be the Mosquito where I live, and finally the price is a pretty good one.

I've joined the Hammock Forum, watched Shug's and Professsor Hammock's vids on YouTube and many more. But I'm still so confused and add to that I'm so lost I don't even really know what questions to ask. Also, I feel more comfortable on here than I do the other forum where I'm just the new guy.

First, I hear a lot about the Whoopie Slings. They seem to just be a high tensile strength braided, hollow core rope. It also appears that the part of the rope runs through the hollow core with the constriction and resulting friction keeping the slippage to a minimum. My question, will whoopie slings with a tensile strength of over 1000 lbs and nothing more than Chinese-handcuff style friction hold my fat butt.

More questions to come I'm sure. Thanks for the help. FYI, I'm Friartuck on the Hammock forum as well.

 

[Carbonmated]

Friar I am new to hanging, well not completely but recently just got a new one after many years without. I just got a Hennessy Expedition a few weeks ago, it has a built in bug net like the SBP you are looking at. Suspension systems for hammocks are like bushcraft kits, there are a million options and everyone will like something different.

I use the supplied tree straps and clip a climbing grade caribiner in the loops, then I have 2 decender rings. The line from your hammock goes through the 2 rings, loops around and then down splitting the rings tied off with 2 quick release knots to hold any slipping. My hammock is set up and tensioned in less than a minute, its a beautiful system.

All of the lines, knots, systems, TQ,UQ, and on and on will drive you mad. Get the hammock first, learn to set it up and then expand your horizons. There are too many options for hanging. Hope you get it and love it.

 

[redoleary]

There's a lot to wrap you head around for sure, but if you go out and make it through the night without hitting the ground, you did it correctly.
The new book called The Ultimate Hang is an awesome resource. It covers just about anything you need, from beginner to advanced. I am in no way affiliated with the book but it is great. I've given two away for Christmas this year.

As for the whoopie slings, yes they will hold you just fine. If you have concerns on the weight rating then just use 1/8" amsteel instead of 7/64". The holding power comes from the length of bury ( the chinese handcuff part) so make sure you have that the correct length for the diameter of line and it will hold just fine. IIRC, Sampson ropes website has all the bury info etc. In this world of CYA their info will be on the conservative side so if you follow it, you will be in fine shape.
Hope that helps and good luck.

 

[Looker]

When I first saw this thread, I thought you were going to ask a question about hanging an axe!

I have been wishing for a Skeeter Beeter Pro for my first hammock too, but I have so much gear that I need or want that the hammock is still way down the list...

Looker

 

[Aven]

First, I hear a lot about the Whoopie Slings. They seem to just be a high tensile strength braided, hollow core rope. It also appears that the part of the rope runs through the hollow core with the constriction and resulting friction keeping the slippage to a minimum. My question, will whoopie slings with a tensile strength of over 1000 lbs and nothing more than Chinese-handcuff style friction hold my fat butt.

More questions to come I'm sure. Thanks for the help. FYI, I'm Friartuck on the Hammock forum as well.

If you are not just a big guy, not Fluffy, but Damn! size (Gabriel Iglesias), then you will want to go up a size in Amsteel. As long as you are mindful of your bury length, you make sure that the outer line is smoothed over the inner, you will be fine.

Cool stuff, no?

 

[gwynn1975]

When I read the title, I was going to tell you that it's all in genetics, but then realized you were talking about hangin in a hammock..

I would suggest to try the hammock out the way it is, and then improve from there as you see fit.. good luck

 

[WestrnBushcrft]

If you are not just a big guy, not Fluffy, but Damn! size (Gabriel Iglesias), then you will want to go up a size in Amsteel. As long as you are mindful of your bury length, you make sure that the outer line is smoothed over the inner, you will be fine.

Cool stuff, no?

LOL Nice reference!!!

 

[Friartuck]

I did get the SBP that I was hoping for. Hung is for a brief time just to set it up and I can live with the stock suspension for a while. It was pretty cool though after all the assembly and playing with the kid's toys I only had about 30 minutes of daylight so my first hang was short. I plan to put it up in the garage and do my tinkering in the coming weeks.

 

[CodenameWalrus]

I did get the SBP that I was hoping for. Hung is for a brief time just to set it up and I can live with the stock suspension for a while. It was pretty cool though after all the assembly and playing with the kid's toys I only had about 30 minutes of daylight so my first hang was short. I plan to put it up in the garage and do my tinkering in the coming weeks.

Jealous! I got some cash from my dad that I was hoping to buy a SBP with, but alas, it went towards bills. I hope to hear how it works for you.

John

 

[Friartuck]

While I haven't techincally done any significant hanging I find myself loving to make things. Ran by the West Marine store today and picked up 25 feet of Amsteel Blue in I think it was 3/16. Whatever the size it was one larger than 1/8 in the store. Made a couple whoopie slings already. I am just too ADHD to not be making something or on the internet at all times.

 

[mahaney]

I have had the SBP for a few years now. It is an awesome hammock if a little to damn long (10 1/2 ft). I have used pretty much every suspension on it imaginable (supplied ropes, webbing, woopie slings) The woopie slings are just what you think they are- chinese finger traps. The 1/8 Amsteel is good for about 2400 lbs. The splice only de-rates that by like 3- 5%. So unless you are like 2000 lbs which is around 5 times what the hammock will hold any way (dont check my math), you should be fine. If you are really worried about them slipping, make your bury longer. I am right at 200lbs with a 8" bury and no slippage. You could always make your slings with a 10-12" bury to constrict more.
Hope this helps.

J