Is Paracord... Paracord?

C

Chief Brody

Joined
May 18, 2013
Messages
83
I want to get some paracord , first time. Got myself a new BK2 that needs a lanyard and I'd like to start seeing what I can do with the stuff. I've looked at some online, only brand name that comes to mind is Rothco but there were others too, and some of the people writing reviews were saying "this isn't REAL paracord" "not mil-spec", stuff like that - while other users were very satisfied. So my question is, are there different versions of paracord out there, and should some be avoided? Does it actually matter if some versions are mil-spec if they're still 7-strand 550-lb paracord?

Thanks
Steve
 
People just complain about how thick the overall cord is but the thickness has to do with the "jacket" holding in the 7 strands, which in my mind doesn't make a difference. As long as its 7 strand and looks good, I'm happy, I use paracord for lanyards and other small things, so it doesn't matter to me that much.
 
I've used lots of different brands and colors of Para-cord/550 coard over the years. From Military over runs to mil-spec from a military supplier to generic stuff. It all seems to hold up about the same for my uses. I've used to to make tarp shelters as my Ridge and guy lines, as shoe laces, cord to lash stuff to a pack or tie a sleeping mat together.

Rothco Para-cord has never let me down. I have a 50' hank in my 72 hour kit and have another hank that got cut up to make a tarp shelters guy lines and ridge line. I prefer braided line, it's less slippery and some knots hold better, so I tend to use both. Got a hank of 3/32" 4 strand braided cord the other day to play with. It's might thinner and lighter then the other braided cord that I have been using. So far, I really like it. I think it will work great as draw strings for ditty bags, guy lines, lashing and the like.

If the cord does what you want, it's all good!
 
Whatever you decide to get, I recommend buying a short piece first to decide if you like it before committing to a larger quantity. I was given a spool of para-chord as a gift from a fairly highly rated internet source and I think it is terrible. It is strong, but is flat which can make knot tying difficult, it twists and kinks and on a 100' piece the outer sheath will stretch almost a foot longer than the inner core. Now I am stuck using an entire spool.
 
If you are rigging parachutes with your paracord, you probably ought to stick to the good stuff. But for lanyards and zipper fobs?
 
Wait a minute! Lanyards are just for fun, but my zipper fobs are critical pieces are hard-use gear!

:D

I have a zipper on an inside pocket on my messenger bag and I used Ranger beads, about a 12" length, as a fob. It works great, being able to reach in and find it without fumbling.
 
Cool, thanks for all the replies, guys. Basically what I expected to hear, that by and large, it's mostly good stuff.
Definitely a good tip to buy a smaller amount first, I'll do that.

Thanks,
Steve
 
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