New RA reel

Parachute chord v. spectra

miles said:

Hiya
... i use 3mm parachute cord. Cheap and very easy to grip. I've tried 2mm dyneema, buts its just too thin and slippery to grip properly. The abrasion resistance is undoubtedly better with the dyneema, but we hardly spear in area's so foul that high abrasion lines are required. ...

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Is this just the regular nylon parachute chord you can buy in the hardware store (to make washing lines, etc.)? If so, it does seem strong and it must be just a small fraction of the price of the 200ft of Spectra Bill mentioned. However, I have never seen a strength rating on hardware store parachute chord (have you?). I guess it would stretch well being nylon, absorbing shock. I don't think Spectra does, as climbers use it as static accessory chord on protection (bought in lengths of about 1m -- it is/was very expensive).

Having seen the pictures of Miles' fish though -- I would assume that 3mm parachute chord is strong enough to catch real big fish .