Spectra vs Polypro throwbags

[JCKeck1]

I learned the differences between the two during my SRT class, but cant remember. Any advice?

[CoreyD]

Spectra- Stonger, more durable, expensive
Polypro- weaker, less durable, less expensive

There is a new rope out now called "Max-Grip/Grabline" I have heard some people refer to it as the NFPA Throw rope (only one UL classified to meet NFPA 1983 standards a.k.a. Fire service politics). This is almost as strong as Spectra, seems to be more durable and easier to hang onto. You do lose a little bit of strength over Spectra but it is much stronger than polypro. It is significanly less expensive than the Spectra.

Tensile strength in 3/8" diameter ropes:
Polypropylene = 1900lb (8.4kN)
MaxGrip = 3575 lb (15.9kN)
Spectra = 4600 lb (20.5kN)

If you think you will be using it in any kind of mechanical advantage situation or using it for anything more than a simple throw to a swimmer then it would be a good idea to stay away from Polypro. I have had good luck with the MaxGrip. I did use it in a 3:1 to haul a completely submerged boat out from under a tree/strainer in strong current (1600cfs Narrows/Fractions ARK). In addition to the current there were three of us pulling so figure a factor of 9 against all the force being generated by the water. No sheath damage from the prusick cords and no flat spots from the knots.

Go with spectra or max grip. No need to add a weak link to a potentially critical system.

[mescalimick]

Spectre is much stronger and lighter than polypro and 2-3x the price. Spectre doesn't stretch, polypro stretches alot, especially when wet. Spectre is great when you need a static line or z-drags, but the same ridig quality makes spectre more likely than polypro to jerk out of your hands when the rope becomes taut in current.

[****]

I agree with what Corey said. Also polypro is dynamic (ie. it stretches) and spectra is not. Which makes spectra far more suitable for pulley systems.

[JCKeck1]

Anyone have contact info - email/phone for Salamander? I couldn't find it with Google.

[CoreyD]

Dont know Salamanders info but try

Check out www.mongoproducts.com and keep the money local. Their waist worn throw bag is a great design and they come with the maxgrip or the spectra cord.

You can also find a good selection at www.rescuesource.com

[Don]

Ya, keep your money local... Keep it from going to Boulder and send it to Vail. Salamander is located in Boulder. Mongo is located in Vail. Both are great US companies.

www.salamanderpaddlegear.com

After sitting in a few different swiftwater classes this season, it always suprizes me just how few people practice. Take your bag for a toss. Practice, practice, practice.

Spectra is more expensive than poly, and is stronger. I carry two throwbags with me when I'm running harder runs. One waist bag (spectra), and one poly bag behind the seat (just in case).

[CoreyD]

Thanks for the correction Don. I was misinformed, someone told me that Salalmander was from somewhere back east. My bad. And sorry to the folks at Salamander

[Holebait]

Spectra is also more slippery than poly, so friction knots (prussiks) don't bite as firmly. It also has a lower melting temperature than poly, which actually makes it weaker in high friction situations.

[Stehno]

Most ropes I've seen with Spectra cores are wrapped in a PolyPro sheath. This helps the rope float, I'm guessing it also helps prusik knots bite into the rope.

hmmmm...
Perhaps the best of both worlds.