Which 550 is it?

T

txhc

Joined
Feb 16, 2011
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I read on herE bout 2 weeks ago that some refered some 550 cord to another poster but said make sure to get "this" kind because you can break it down and there are 7 different smaller threads in it. Can someone tell me which it is. Thanx
 
txhc said:
I read on herE bout 2 weeks ago that some refered some 550 cord to another poster but said make sure to get "this" kind because you can break it down and there are 7 different smaller threads in it. Can someone tell me which it is. Thanx
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All real or "mil-spec" 550 cord should be 7 strand.
 
Depends on what kind of army surplus store you have. Do they carry real army issue gear, or is it the kind where all the gear is made in china, and brand new everything.
 
You can also break the 7 strands down into 2 strands each.
 
All true 550 cord should have the 7 double-strands. It's 450 (450 pound test) cord that has fewer internal strands - 4 I believe.
 
the true milspec is substantially more expensive than commercial grade Type III, and that expense does not justify the difference in my opinion. heck, for thousands of years humans have constructed shelters and other tools using tree roots and natural fibers; do we really need to spend the extra $ for milspec paracord?
 
^I would say only if you plan on actually making a parachute with it. :D
 
paracordist said:
the true milspec is substantially more expensive than commercial grade Type III, and that expense does not justify the difference in my opinion. heck, for thousands of years humans have constructed shelters and other tools using tree roots and natural fibers; do we really need to spend the extra $ for milspec paracord?
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As with many things, it's all a matter of personal preference. I personally don't feel the need to buy the mil-spec stuff, especially for every day use. The stuff I've been using just has 2 inner strands, twisted together. It works fine for tarp guy lines and the occasional knife handle wrap that I do, and stuff like that. That having been said, I can understand the desire to have the real stuff though. . . Keep a 10 foot wrapped around your knife sheath, and you know you've got up to 80 feet of cordage if need it, if you pull out the inner strands.
 
Mil-spec I have only encountered OD or black in color. You will have to go to aftermarket for other color variations. Mil-spec is not bad pricewise if you buy it by the spool. A spool should last a lifetime.
 
The mil spec stuff comes in a myriad of colors.

But as others said, there's no need for the mil spec stuff unless you're rigging a 'chute

I use it extensively because I get it cheap(read free) but if I was going to buy cordage I would go with something better.

550 streched pretty badly, so if you plan to guy a tent tarp hammock hang a clothes line etc with it, you're going to be disappointed.

What do you plan on using it for?

Oh, buy on line considerably cheaper than surplus store prices IME
 
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