spectra mainline

I just recieved my new handle and rope. I got the proline lg combo and the rope that came with it says coated Spectra mainline, but nothing about no-stretch. So i guess i still don't have a no stretch line!!! so is this rope not good then?

No, spectra line is the "no-stretch" line.

Spectra and Dyneema are no-stretch.

funny because the little warning tabs on the on the line say the it will stretch during use and on the proline box it calls out different lines that are named "no-stretch" spectra mainline??? I guess I was just curious if there was a difference.

Semantics.

Spectra and Dyneema will set the weave. That elongates the rope. We call that "stretch."

Spectra and Dyneema will "creep." That is a elongation of the rope over time without a recoil. We call that "stretch."

Actual stretch is an elongation followed by a recoil to the orignal rope length. Spectra and Dyneema do not do that. Ski ropes made out of PolyPropylene do (essential for slalom skiing). PolyEthylene ropes do stretch just a bit, but very little and the recoil is very slow - it takes more time than PolyPro lines to recover the length.

Spectra and Dyneema are made from PolyEthylene. The extrusion is different. Spectra is the same kind of extrusion process as a grocery bag. Experiment with a bag and you can see and feel the properties described above.

It think that is one of the most intelligent, articulate, knowledge filled posts I've read in months Congrats!!

The labels that are put on spectra and dyneema ropes that warn of stretch are there for product liability reasons. However, both spectra and dyneema stretch, but we are talking like an inch in a 75' rope.

FYI: There is not very much difference between Spectra or Dyneema. Both products are HMPE (high modulus polyethlene) materials, and both products are brand name HMPE fibers for different companies. For example: Dyneema is a brand name for a HMPE fiber made and patented by DSM.

There are some slight differences in the two products, Spectra and Dyneema, which really do not effect the performance as wakeboard ropes: These would be the number of filaments and the actual makeup of the yarn.

The main benefits of Spectra and Dyneema over other fibers previously used in wakeboard / water ski ropes are their extremely high strength and durability. The high strength results in very low creep (stretch).

Thanks,

Ken Land
Bullet Lines
www.bulletlines.com
www.wakeboarding-winch.com