Bulk purchase dyneema - line quality

[Orchidius]

Hi there,

After enquiring about the possibility of purchasing full coils of dyneema line on a dutch sailing forum there seemed a lot of interest for a bulk purchase. I am now looking into that and am talking to various suppliers. As one would expect the prices vary tremendously. In some cases clearly because of set margins for certain brands of rope, but in other cases it just seems like you're buying a different type of rope alltogether. Granted, those cheaper suppliers also deal with commercial ships/businesses and order in their 12strand rope in spools of 1000yd rather then dealing in specialised braided racing dyneema on 100yd spools for the racing community, but still it got me wondering...

What are the great quality differences in dyneema and what do I need to look for specifically or certainly stay away from? Is dyneema something where you really get what you pay for or is it not unthinkable for it to be in the same price range as braided poly racing rope bought in a fancy store (keeping in mind this would be a bulk purchase of standard 12 strand dyneema from a not so fancy supplier)?

[Stumble]

There are differences in different brands, but the basic fiber is the same. Dyneema is a specific type of fiber made by a specific manufacturer, but then is woven into a lot of different products. Everything from fishing line to fabric. Major things to look for in line is the leingth of the threads used, the consistency of the weave, the tightness of the weave, and any coating applied post fabrication. Most of these things can't really be told without knowing a lot more about the manufacturing process than many companies will tell you.

As a shortcut the MBL specced by different brands is a decent proxy, with higher strength being prefered (of course).

I haven't bought spools of dyneema to date, but on most line the savings is pretty substantial, about 40% or so.

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by Stumble

There are differences in different brands, but the basic fiber is the same.

Actually this is really not true, for the fibers as/when they are braided into line. They have been pulled and heat treated in different ways, creating different properties.

For instance, the properties of dyneema SK90 are different than SK75 are different than Dynex Dux.

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by estarzinger

Actually this is really not true, for the fibers as/when they are braided into line. They have been pulled and heat treated in different ways, creating different properties.

For instance, the properties of dyneema SK90 are different than SK75 are different than Dynex Dux.

True,

But all the SK-75 lines are made from the same fibers, all the SK-90 is the same fiber, then DSM Dyneema (the manufacturing company) sell them to different fabricators to be turned into everything from Levi jeans to rope.