gus 1 #1 January 18, 2004 I didn't know there was more than one type (strength) of vectran but apparantly there is. 500 lb and 700lb? Something like that. Does anyone know what Icarus use? GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #2 January 18, 2004 You can also get 1,000lb vectran, that's what we use on the tandem rigs. As for you, I'd call Icarus and ask them. I'm sure you can get whatever you want, just like Spectra.my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #3 January 18, 2004 These are probably stupid questions, but can anyone explain the differences in quality between the different Vectran and other...Dacron or Spectra line sizes? What are the differences between the different types of line sets (ex: Vectran vs. Spectra)? What qualities are unique to each? Pros/cons? Are some exclusive to certain canopies and why? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #4 January 18, 2004 Vectran's claim to fame, I believe, is that it does not shrink. Spectra, on the other hand, does. Vectran has a nasty habit of simply snapping when it's reached the end of it's useful life. Spectra does not. People claim that it's impossible to know when Vectran will snap. People need to become more educated about the material and know what to look for. In my limited experience though, Vectran shows very definite signs of wear. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #5 January 18, 2004 fooey...the only stupid questions are those that you don't ask, Rosa. Bytch wrote this about the differences a while back: Advantages: Will maintain its trim qualities over the life of the line-set. Disadvantages: Will wear faster than Spectra and will require replacement at around 500-700 jumps on the suspension lines and 250-400 jumps on the lower control lines. SPECTRA Advantages: High wear resistance. Lines will last 1000 jumps+. Disadvantages: Will loose its trim qualities RADICALLY. As an indication, a Spectra line set with 500 jumps will have control line shrinkage of between 5" & 8", the outboard A lines will have shrunk 3" to 5" and the trim across the span is likely to be out by 2" to 4". The canopies performance will start to become effected in only 100 jumps. As a result, Spectra is not recommended on high performance canopies. The line set will need replacing at least as frequently, or more frequently than Vectran due to shrinkage. Note: This is not an issue on low performance canopies. Now...as for Dacron, Billvon had this to say: Spectra - wears well, thin, shrinks quickly. Dacron - does not shrink, wears well, shock absorber, thicker. Vectran - wears quickly, thin, does not shrink. --------------- Dacron lines will stretch upon opening shock and then shrink back allowing for more cushioning. The big disadvantage is that Dacron is bulky and takes up a lot of pack volume. Also, because of its bulk, you wouldn't want it on tiny high-performance canopies because of the parasitic drag. Dacron also has an extremely long life and will go many hundreds of jumps before replacement is needed. ----- and from another rigger: Dacron- It has resistance to wear but does stretch. It usually goes out of trim (gets longer in dimensions)at the center cell and brake lines first. It does not shrink at all. Comes standard in 525lb, 600lb, and 900lb. Spectra - This shrinks and will not stretch(relative to the loaded dimensions). Usually shrinks most at the outer most lines and also the brake lines. It wears well, thus giving the user a "false" sense of being in good shape, when actually the lines are out of trim.The 500lb goes out of trim really fast compared to the other sizes. It comes in 500lb, 725lb, and 1000lb. There is no such animal as 825lb. This is a number used by PD to differentiate between their unsized (uncoated)725lb that they use on their reserves.CSR, the line manufactuer, sells them the line labeled as 725lb. Vectran-Does not stretch,is dimensionally stable, but wears the fastest of the line types. This line usually last 400-600 jumps on the average canopy. Vectran comes in 580lb, 725lb, 1050lb, and 1600lb. HMA-Has vectran-like characteristics except that it has a better wear componet. But here is the scary part- the polymer can stress crack in areas that are sewn. In other words, you never know if and when the line may break. This is one of the reasons that they do not cascade the lines. It also is hard to fingertrap. Hope that helped.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #6 January 19, 2004 Gus...I have 500#vectran on the main lines and 1000# on the lower steering lines on my Icarus. Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #7 January 19, 2004 QuoteBut here is the scary part- the polymer can stress crack in areas that are sewn. In other words, you never know if and when the line may break. This is one of the reasons that they do not cascade the lines. It also is hard to fingertrap This is one of the reasons that linesets built using HMA are have the fingertraps sewn with a single needle locking stich, rather than a bartack. It's less likely to have a detrimental effect on the line.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gus 1 #8 January 19, 2004 QuoteGus...I have 500#vectran on the main lines and 1000# on the lower steering lines on my Icarus. Thanks Marcus, is that how it came from the factory? GusOutpatientsOnline.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #9 January 20, 2004 Thank you so very much, Kris, for this information. If I have any more questions (and I will ), I will be sure to ask without feeling like a fool. Geez...there is sooo much to learn...seemingly endless info! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #10 January 20, 2004 No...it came with 500 from the factory after its line change...and then when hook did the mod on it he added the heavy duty steering lines... come to think of it..they might be 7-800 instead of 1000...let me ask him... Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #11 January 20, 2004 Quotecome to think of it..they might be 7-800 instead of 1000...let me ask him... 1000#. (Not really, but close. All the Vectran #'s are rounded off.) Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #12 January 20, 2004 Thanks Hook...that's what I thought...shouldn't doubt my self... Marc otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
