Friday, August 19, 2016

Parachute Cord - 7 Strand- 550 lb. Breaking Strength -100 Feet- 5/32" (4mm) Diameter - 100% Nylon Military Survival Cordage



1) There are many different types and quality of paracord. Before I review this particular product, here is a brief background about paracord.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARACORD:o Type I - Holds 95 lbs and has only one inner core strand. Useful for light weight applications such as lanyards for compasses or knives. You can also use Type I paracord for shoe laces.
o Type II - Holds 400 lbs and typically has 4-7 inner core strands. There is an IIA variant that has no core but holds up to 225 pounds.
o Type III - Holds up to 550 lbs and has 7-9 inner core strands. Type III paracord is the most common type. It has various uses and often used for survival situations. Many users make bracelets with this, because the bracelet can be used in the event of an emergency.
o Type IV - Holds up to 750 lbs and has 11 inner core strands. Type 4 is the strongest cord out there and the most expensive.

MILITARY SPECIFICATION (MIL-SPEC) vs "COMMERCIAL SPEC"
o A Mil-Spec (MIL-C-5040) is a thicker 550 cord that has seven three-ply nylon yarns within each strand. Each strand has an ID cord that indicates who the manufacturer is. This cord has higher quality control than commercial-spec.
o A Commercial-Spec isn't a type of paracord per se, but many people refer to paracord that isn't Mil-Spec as "Commercial Spec". At any rate, it is also a 550 paracord that uses seven yarns within each strand Sometimes it's single, double or triple ply. With that said, it often lacks the same quality (though not always).

NYLON vs POLYESTER:
Nylon is more desirable than polyester. Nylon is softer and better at withstanding rot and burns more slowly

2) ABOUT THIS PARACORD:
This paracord is Nylon, Type III, Commercial Spec. While I haven't done weight tests to identify the actual weight loads that this is capable of holding, it is certainly well made. There are many knock offs or companies selling cheap paracord to confused buyers (for good reason). Fortunately, this is not the case with this product.

I ordered the "Forest Camo" paracord. I use this cordage as a treestand pull-up rope, boot shoelaces, to silence my hang-on treestand, as a knife handle, tie downs, and various other uses. Overall, I'm very pleased with it.

WHAT OTHER THINGS CAN THIS BE USED FOR (I'M SURE THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER USES)?
Survival bracelet
Carry strap for a gps or compass
Clothesline
Shoe strings
Water bottle holder
Knife carry strap
Handles for lighters, knives, tools, etc.
Fishing line (if you unravel the inner plies)
Tripod or shelter
Zipper pull cord
Tree stand pull up rope
Snare trap
Make a handle for a knife
Replace a hoodie cord
General repairs
Keychain
Arts and crafts
Silencing your tree stand platform
Carrying gear
Tie downs






FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received a free sample of this product for purposes of testing and reviewing. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome all suggestions, feedback and/or product questions!

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