Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

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Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby cavemud2 » Feb 5, 2012 7:49 pm

I want to order some webbing to make handlines and other rigging from and would like to get some more input about the different types of webbing. The flat webbing is a little bit more in price than the tubular but the tubular is higher in strength. I guess im just looking for the pros/cons of using either of the two or which is better. Just wondering if it really matters.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby Scott McCrea » Feb 5, 2012 8:29 pm

It depends. Tubular is more flexible (knots easier) and packs smaller in your pack. Flat is more durable because it is stiffer. 8-9mm accessory cord also make good handline. You should probably have a hunk of each and choose which one you take based on the application. FWIW, I carry 12' of tubular in the bottom of my pack and rarely use it.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby Grandpa Caver » Feb 5, 2012 10:22 pm

I've carried both and settled on flat. It just seems to last longer for me.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby NZcaver » Feb 5, 2012 10:39 pm

Personally I prefer tubular, and I think Scott's post summed things up fairly well.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby knudeNoggin » Feb 6, 2012 12:00 am

As the major characteristic of webbing/tape is it's flatness,
I agitate for using "solid" vice "flat" in distinction with "tubular".

*kN*

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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby cavemud2 » Feb 6, 2012 10:00 am

Yeh i have enough 8mm cord, just looking for something smaller. 110' of 8mm cord takes up a bit of space. Was just wanting to try webbing to reduce on space in my pack, and thats why i was thinking the tubular. I just wasnt sure if it was as strong as flat for rigging anchors or what not with it.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby BrianC » Feb 6, 2012 11:26 am

If you are going to make loops for handholds, then try in both materials before buying bulk. Untying handholds in tubular webbing is difficult at best. Flat non-tubular is stiffer, and can be untied much easier. 8-9 mm perlon rope makes good hand/foot loops, and unties the easiest.
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Re: Handline Webbing: Flat or Tubular?

Postby Carl Amundson » Feb 6, 2012 11:28 am

You should consider 1/2 inch tubular webbing.
It's still pretty strong (9Kn; 2025 pounds of force) and is small in your pack.
It works well as a hand line and you can rappel on it using a Munter hitch.
I carry 25' of it.

http://www.rei.com/product/610111/bluewater-916-climb-spec-tubular-webbing
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