Lightweight reflective cordage/tensioners

Joined
Jun 15, 2015
Messages
368
Location
Washington
Looking to upgrade my guyline's to some reflective cordage.
Right now between Lawsons or what is offered by zpacks.
What are you guys using and with which tensioners? Between using the micro line lok's if i went with the lawsons 2mm glowire or the lineloc 3's if i went with the 3mm.
Typical overthinking situation going on here but I'm also trying to distract my mind while I wait to watch my zag's in the final four :cool:
 
Joined
Nov 13, 2014
Messages
2,398
I bought some 1.8 mm reflective cord from Ebay that seems really nice. Came from China so it took a couple weeks. I just use a taught line knot for tensioning.
 

motts

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 17, 2014
Messages
254
I've been very happy with the 2mm Lawsons glowire; I don't have any experience with the zpacks cordage or the Lawsons tensioners as I use a bowline/hitch system to tighten everything down.

This link describes how to do it well - My guyline & tension system for tents, tarps, and hammocks

If you want the lightest weight, most versatile option, this is probably it.
 
Joined
Oct 29, 2014
Messages
867
has anybody tried out that ThreeBulls 1.8mm reflective cord they sell on Amazon? It's cheaper than everything else i've found, $7 for 20 meters, so wondering if it's any good.
 
Joined
Feb 6, 2017
Messages
95
Location
NC
72" Green 2mm Glowire and Farrimond hitch for guylines.

24" of Orange 2mm Glowire and Cord Lock 10 for the ground level stake loops.

Go Heels!
 
Last edited:

Beendare

WKR
Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
8,247
Location
Corripe cervisiam
You can get a 100' roll of reflective paracord at Home Cheapo for $3.50. Its not super strong like the Dyneema stuff....I think its 160# rated which is plenty for most guyouts.
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
25
"I bought some 1.8 mm reflective cord from Ebay that seems really nice. Came from China so it took a couple weeks. I just use a taught line knot for tensioning."


I did the same thing but used amazon, less bulk and less weight plus the reflective line is nice at night
 

ljalberta

WKR
Joined
Dec 7, 2015
Messages
1,439
I'm using Lawson 2mm Glowire on my tarp I carry - great stuff. I also purchased 10 of their bar tensioners, but haven't used them as I've stuck with the hitch knots outlined on Skurka's link above.
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
25
has anybody tried out that ThreeBulls 1.8mm reflective cord they sell on Amazon? It's cheaper than everything else i've found, $7 for 20 meters, so wondering if it's any good.
Yes this what I use, works good .
I use it for zipper pulls too instead of the 550 cords one or metal pull tabs
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
25
I have some 2mm rated for 400lbs or something like that. I threw it in my kill kit for hanging game bags instead of 550 cord also
 

DenRuyter

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 7, 2014
Messages
204
Location
North Eastern, WI
I'm using the Lawson Reflective Glowire and a tautline hitch knot on my shelters. It works well, is as light as you will ever get, and has held up very well. It's slightly slick, but not enough that the knot will slip like some other lines out there, and that's why I just put in another order to have a little extra in my gear so I can completely loose the 550 cord.
 

JDZ

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
559
Location
Texas
Anybody use the 1.1 or 1.25 mm line from Z Packs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Feb 6, 2017
Messages
95
Location
NC
Anybody use the 1.1 or 1.25 mm line from Z Packs?

I replace all my paracord lanyards and pull cords with the orange reflective 1.1mm line and yellow 1.25mm line. I also use the 1.25mm line in the Redcliff as a sort of clothesline to hang stuff for drying.

I'm not sure what would be gained by using it as a guyline versus the 2mm Glowire or something similar. The thinner lines aren't nearly as easy to handle or knot. I briefly considered using it, but the 2mm lines just seem so much easier to use that the weight saving isn't worth it.

But, JMHO. Some people may prefer it.
 

JDZ

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
559
Location
Texas
I bought some 1.25 with the intention of using it as clothes line inside my tent and also guy lines, but haven't actually used it yet. Do the micro line locks work on the 1.1 or 1.25?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

sdfuller

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
202
Location
Reno, NV
Not to sound like a smart ass but why not learn some knots? You can do a lot with a few types. Useful ones for pitching campsites are bowline, prusik, and any of the hitches (I use truckers a lot)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

JDZ

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
559
Location
Texas
Not to sound like a smart ass but why not learn some knots?
Point well taken. I do use some other knots and want to learn more. I asked about the micro line locks, because I USP said the smaller lines don't knot as well.
 
Joined
Feb 6, 2017
Messages
95
Location
NC
Point well taken. I do use some other knots and want to learn more. I asked about the micro line locks, because I USP said the smaller lines don't knot as well.

The 1.1mm will likely hold a knot fine, but the size makes it a bit aggravating to use for something like a guyline.

The 1.25mm line is very, very stiff. I use a perfection loop on each end and Lark's head one end to a mitten hook. That seems to work ok, but I'd be a little leery of trusting it to something that would see tension and vibration.

As far as knots and hitches for use with guylines, I recently switched to the Farrimond hitch. I cannot recommend it enough.
 

sdfuller

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
202
Location
Reno, NV
Point well taken. I do use some other knots and want to learn more. I asked about the micro line locks, because I USP said the smaller lines don't knot as well.

Do you mean tie well or untie well? Or both?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Feb 6, 2017
Messages
95
Location
NC
Do you mean tie well or untie well? Or both?

1.1mm - seems to hold knots fine. Untying and handling is aggravating.

1.25mm - Doesn't knot well with the knots I use. Don't think I'd trust it under tension/vibration. Very stiff.
 
Top