Splicing Sta Set X (questions!)

[evm1024]

Hi All,

I've got some sta set X sheets that I want to put an eye splice in the end of. I've been scouring the web and not found much info on such a splice.

The info I have read or in the case of videos watched has left me unimpressed and uninformed.

Anyone have a recommendation for a website or video that presents sta set X splicing that they like?

I guess that I will just have to start the splice and learn as i go.

PS I'll never buy sta set X again I think. Other products....

[david samuelson]

Hi,
I have used the instructions from Brion Toss' THE COMPLETE RIGGER'S APPRENTICE

Good luck

[evm1024]

Originally Posted by david samuelson

Hi,
I have used the instructions from Brion Toss' THE COMPLETE RIGGER'S APPRENTICE

Good luck

Thanks, don't own that book yet... WM here I come.

[Paul L]

If they are used line, then think twice about splicing.

[Stu Jackson]

I have found that particular line/rope to be "not so good" on our boat. Many others have also mentioned their concerns. X gets hard to handle after a short time. I had some on our previous C25 and eliminated it after a year to two, and went back to plain StaSet, softer, lasts longer, too.


Unless you have gobs of X waiting to be used, I'd reconsider X and consider using other lines for whatever your intended purpose may be. Samson is quite good, too.



X doesn't take kindly to knots that need to stay knotted, either.


Just my experiences.



Good luck.

[evm1024]

Thanks all. I have read the "issues" with splicing used sta-set X. I bought this a number of years ago for a genoa sheet. It has been attached to the clew with a hitch (thus it is a single sheet hitched in the middle).

Rather than re-purpose it or toss it I thought to try to put eye splices in it and soft shackle it to the genoa.

If I do replace it I will likely go back to sta-set or some other double braid that will take an eye splice.

Nothing lost by trying - a trade of some time for experience.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by evm1024

Thanks all. I have read the "issues" with splicing used sta-set X. I bought this a number of years ago for a genoa sheet. It has been attached to the clew with a hitch (thus it is a single sheet hitched in the middle).

Rather than re-purpose it or toss it I thought to try to put eye splices in it and soft shackle it to the genoa.

If I do replace it I will likely go back to sta-set or some other double braid that will take an eye splice.

Nothing lost by trying - a trade of some time for experience.

Good luck! IIRC, that is a hard construction to splice at best, and in used line (even if the ends have not been highly stressed) you are in for a struggle.

If you fail in the conventional splice, a carefully done stitched and whipped eye splice is an alternative method, and can be done on old line. Not as strong as a good splice, but if well executed, likely strong enough.

Jim

PS I too have had poor experience with Staset X, and would not use it in any application by choice.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by evm1024

Thanks all. I have read the "issues" with splicing used sta-set X. I bought this a number of years ago for a genoa sheet. It has been attached to the clew with a hitch (thus it is a single sheet hitched in the middle).

Rather than re-purpose it or toss it I thought to try to put eye splices in it and soft shackle it to the genoa.

If I do replace it I will likely go back to sta-set or some other double braid that will take an eye splice.

Nothing lost by trying - a trade of some time for experience.

Trying to splice it after it has been used for years as a sheet will be an exercise in frustration. Forget about it

[Steve Bean]

Would the manufacturer of the StaSet X have any recommendations about splicing? Re: splicing used double braid line, I remember running into severe trouble very quickly when I tried it. The core and the sheath did not slip as they must.

[david samuelson]

Just so we are not getting confused here, Sta Set X is not a double braid but a parallel core line.

[01kiwijohn]

Why on Earth would you be using Sta set X for sheets?

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by 01kiwijohn

Why on Earth would you be using Sta set X for sheets?

I sure wouldn't. It does not have a nice hand at all.

[jamhass]

Originally Posted by Steve Bean

Would the manufacturer of the StaSet X have any recommendations about splicing?

Yes, New England has an easy-to-follow downloadable instruction PDF. I have used it successfully and I am not an expert.

If you still have trouble, try reading both NE and Brion Toss's instructions. This helped me understand the splice.

[CarinaPDX]

I got some barely-used X halyards from friends (?) who gave up on it because of its lack of flexibility. I wish they hadn't. As miserable as it is to handle, once used it is nearly, but not completely, impossible to splice. You can do it but it won't be fun, and the result is still unpleasant. There is an argument for X for halyards, because of the low stretch. I can't see any reason at all to use it for sheets. I do understand not wanting to throw away expensive rope that is still in good condition, but you will really appreciate the day that stuff is off your boat.


Greg

[thunderhoof]

I suggest you wash the ropes in a machine with a good dose of fabric softener. Rinse well and dry in a loose coil. Then cut about a foot off the end opposite the working end and use that end for the splice.
The problem with Sta-Set X is that is all polyester with a parallel fiber core. Makes for low stretch but difficult to do the core to core part of a double braid splice. Unlike newer lines where the load is taken only by the core, this rope requires that both the cover and core share the load. New England Ropes has spicing instructions.
A simple option is to use an anchor hitch with the bitter end tapped or whipped to the main rope.