Line-Loks v Figure 9's for guylines?

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'm just sorting out some new guylines for a tarp and was going to order up some mini line-loks but before I do I'm wondering what the advantages of using 'figure 9's' instead would be?

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ ... e_kit.html

All the bumph tells me that if I use figure 9's then I won't have to mess about with knots ... which would be the same if I use line-loks. At the moment the figure 9's just look a little bit more of a faff ... am I missing the point?

[Anthony]

Linelocks look a far neater IMO. Although unlikely, at least when the linelocks are in place they can't come off and get lost.

1.5mm dyneema and linelocks, simples.

[Ian]

Figure 9's look like they handle a greater range of cord diameters, but other than that they look over complicated for what they acheive. I'd rate the mini line lok's as the best solution for finer cord (<3mm diameter).

I can confirm mini line lok's are not entirely reliable with 1.25mm dynemma but are OK with 1.5mm.

[Taylor]

I use fig 9's for my tarp ridge line in forested areas, very simple and effective and take only 2-3 seconds to tie around a tree/post etc.. Never had one come loose on me yet.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Can they be used by an idiot? The kind of idiot who'd be safer with slip on shoes thus preventing awkward knot 'moments'.

[Anthony]

Actually Flatfish has a very viable reason for them. I camped last night and needed to run a guy around a wire fence, the figure 9's would be a good choice if you tend to use obsticles for attaching guys to.

That said, for tarp duties I dont bother with anything, I just peg it out using a simple overhand loop.

[Ian]

Bowlines are easier to undo after they've been tightened or subjected to a high tension

[Anthony]

Good point Ian, I do like a bowline especially for when only one end of the cord is available. The loops were made back when I got the tarp in April so I suspect they will be well and truely knitted now!

I keep contemplating lineloks for the tarp but it has worked fine all year without them so there really doesn't seem much point other than being slightly nicer in use.

[thomthumb]

i use line loks. small and simple.

I tie a loop on the tarp and a loop on the end of the guy - this means i can seperate the guy if i need to go round a tree/ post.

whilst we're here does anyone know what these 'lineloks' are that MLD use? picture on page 7.

http://www.andyhowell.info/Colin-Ibbots ... review.pdf

[Ian]

http://eu.itwnexus.com/content/lineloc-3-ll

They're like a ladder lock but for cord rather than tape.

[chris n]

Learn to tie a tautline hitch at the peg end of the guy line and a bowline or figure 8 loop at the tarp end. Think of all the weight you can save.