Lineloc V and 1.3mm Line?

[Brad W]

Now that Zpacks is using 1.3mm line on their Lite versions it got me wanting to swap my line on my standard Plex Solo. Anyone know of durability issues using that thin of a line on the Lineloc V?

[Jan Rezac]

You can try this:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/linelocs-and-thin-cord-solution/

[Brad W]

I don’t have any slippage with initial testing, more interested in how the Lineloc itself holds up as replacing it would be a major pain. I thought I had read a few years ago the thin line can wear out the V groove faster than heavier, thicker line. Maybe Lineloc changed the plastic composition, not sure.

[Monte Masterson]

ZPacks claims the Lineloc V’s will work with 1.3 mm Z-Line but I find a hard enough pull makes the line slip (think 40 mph wind gusts). I’m sure you’re familiar with Micro Linelocs and of course they work well with 1.3 mm Z-Line, however you don’t have the range of adjustment like Lineloc 3’s or V’s and you have to use considerably more line.

MLD’s 1.5 mm Pro Guyline holds better with Lineloc V’s. https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/1-5mm-pro-guyline/

You’re probably also aware of ZPacks Lineloc V with loop https://zpacks.com/products/lineloc-v-with-loop

[Erik G]

I’ve had great success with the Clamcleat Mini Line Lok for smaller line that slips under load in LineLocs.

https://www.clamcleat.com/mini-line-lok.html

[Brad W]

Those look nice, but the V’s are already on the tent.

[Alan W]

I had a slippage problem with Lineloc V on my Durston Xmid2 Pro (rev 1) during gusting winds and downdrafts from a severe thunderstorm.  Thankfully, the stopper knot at the end of cord prevented complete collapse of tent.  However, one incident was enough for me; for I spent a nervous half-hour sitting up inside the floppy tent providing manual support in a torrential deluge, until the rain abated and I was willing to go outside to reset the tent corner guy-line.

My solution was to change out the quite short cords on my Durston Xmid2 Pro (rev 1) for longer Lawson 2.5 mm lines (longer for ease of stake placement and doubly heavier due to diameter increase).  My Tarptent Aeon Li uses 2.5 mm cords with the Lineloc V, and I’ve not ever had them slip.  Of course, this is the opposite direction on weight from what you contemplate going to 1.3 mm cord size.

I experimented with longer 2 mm Dyneema cords (lighter per ft vs. polyester sheath) wherein I tied a slippery hitch backer against the Lineloc V; but I eventually settled for the speed and simplicity of adjustment without a slippery hitch, i.e., used the 2.5 mm Lawson.  These corner cords are still quite short compared to apex guy-lines, where I do use smaller diameters.    Or, perhaps use the looped solution in Jan Rezac’s post.

I also experimented with 1.3 mm cord with Lineloc V on my earlier Zpacks tents (hexamid and duplex) and dining tarp — until I had a complete mechanical failure of a Lineloc V.  This breakage was on my dining tarp during a windy day (spring or fall?) with sustained winds to 25 mph and even stronger gusts.  The crossbar of the Lineloc V cut or tore through and completely released one guy line.  Perhaps the Rezac double twist might alleviate some of the cutting action from a single 1.3 mm cord, or maybe the failure was from the total stress from the larger tarp panel (vs. smaller tent profile) being enough to snap or yield and break the polymer cross bar.  (Did not do a microscopic failure analysis of cutting action vs. fast-snap-break vs. slow-draw-break.)

Now, when I use 1.3 mm cord with a quick adjuster for long guy-lines, such as for an apex guy-line or dining tarp, I use the ClamCleat CL266s with the Roger Caffin rigging.  He has tested these in quite severe conditions, and they also have been reliable on my Big Agnes tent used for trips with extended family .  (However, beware that some less expensive knockoffs (Amazon, Paria) of the ClamCleat CL266 are prone to slippage and wear due to “rounded” barbs in their cleat molding.)

[Brad W]

@Alan thank you for the insight. It seems there would be some possible trade-offs going with the lighter lines. I am going to give it a go-first miserable night I will be swapping them back.

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