Spectra Core Line

Daryl, thanks for pointing out that source. Out of curiosity, is the spectra core braided or a "tow" of parallel fibers? Thanks.

Colin,

The white core appears to be 3 threads loosely braided together. Each of those 3 threads looks like it is made up of smaller parallel fibers.

Daryl

Colin,

I'm curious. Is the inner core in this line typical of spectra core lines? Is there a good and bad way of constructing such a line?

Daryl

Sorry for taking a while to check in on this thread. Thanks very much for dissecting that line and posting photos.

I don't know that cordage that has a braided core is any better or worse than cordage that has parallel tows in the core. I only know of two functional differences. Parallel core line can have extremely low stretch, whereas braided core line has a bit more stretch because of the mechanical cinching of the braid under load. Knots are more secure with braided core line, though. The braid doesn't slip as easily within the sleeve, and whipping (threads sewn through the braid) can be used to securely anchor a braided core to the sleeve. Whipping doesn't work as well with parallel core cordage, particularly with slippery core fibers like UHMWPE.

Colin,

Interesting.

Thanks