I wouldn't recommend Sta-set X for sheets, I recommended Sta-set. Sta-set is a polyester double braid, Sta-set X is a parallel core polyester, more suited for halyards, due to its low-stretch characteristics.
Two broken jib sheets within 5 minutes of each other!
- Thread starter danstanford
- Start date
I'm can't think of a circumstance where stretchy line used for any halyard or sheet is a better idea than using low-stretch. Unless you like going slow. ;^)
It's not "stretchy line," even though it stretches more than Sta-set X. It's easier on the hands, slightly less expensive. Better for tying a bowline or other hitch or knot; at least that's my experience with it, using Sta-set for sheets, Sta-set X for halyards.
I wasn't really fond of X's fuzzy cover and harsher feel on the hands. I've switched to VPC for halyards.
That said, I would bet that Sta-set, or similar polyester double braid, is the most popular line for sheets in the US, maybe the world.
I agree with that for sure. As long as stretch (to me less is always better) is close to the same, the most important thing is the feel or hand of the line. As you note VPC is fine for halyards but I hate how it feels. MLX much better. For mainsheets nothing in the world beats Swiftcord. But is no good in clutches/winches, so that rules it out on headsail sheets.
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I currently have a new Sta-set main halyard that the previous owner installed, and not only is it too small for the winch, it's too stretchy. I often have to retentions the main in anything over 10 or 12 kt. It's coming off in favor of a new VPC halyard I have that's read to go. Shame. The Sta-set one has a beautiful, new Wichard halyard shackle, and the bitter end is whipped, and with a Flemish eye. Someone did a nice job making it.
I've stopped splicing shackles onto halyards in favor of a halyard hitch, so I can end-for-end them.
I've stopped splicing shackles onto halyards in favor of a halyard hitch, so I can end-for-end them.
If you leave your sheets attached to the rolled headsail with a "cow hitch" (one continuous line) and never remove them for protection from the weather and they are a generic double braid polyester line you know nothing about..... they will fail eventually.
The weather(storing them outside), the repetitive wear at the same spot for years (cow hitch, single line), the unknown quality (age, core material, brand) etc.
Now..... remove the old stretchy Dacron headsail and replace with a new, larger, more powerful, non stretchy model...... the sheets become the weak link..... KAPOW!!!!
My choice for sheets is NOT Sta set X, No No No.... there are way too many better choices.
For cruiser level lines, I like solid colors, I like 2 sheets, not one continuous, I like Samson Trophy Braid (the fuzzy stuff) or Samson XLS, Yale ULS yacht braid. Never used Samson MLX, but have heard good things about it.
Here's a link... you can talk to these guys live chat or on the phone. They will hook you up... I've dealt with them for years.
The weather(storing them outside), the repetitive wear at the same spot for years (cow hitch, single line), the unknown quality (age, core material, brand) etc.
Now..... remove the old stretchy Dacron headsail and replace with a new, larger, more powerful, non stretchy model...... the sheets become the weak link..... KAPOW!!!!
My choice for sheets is NOT Sta set X, No No No.... there are way too many better choices.
For cruiser level lines, I like solid colors, I like 2 sheets, not one continuous, I like Samson Trophy Braid (the fuzzy stuff) or Samson XLS, Yale ULS yacht braid. Never used Samson MLX, but have heard good things about it.
Here's a link... you can talk to these guys live chat or on the phone. They will hook you up... I've dealt with them for years.
Great article on lines:
https://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/33_8/features/Cost-Effective-Halyard-Materials_5478-1.html
click on the links in the box labeled "Also With This Article..."
https://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/33_8/features/Cost-Effective-Halyard-Materials_5478-1.html
click on the links in the box labeled "Also With This Article..."
Download the New England Rope catalog...describes every rope they have, its application, strength and available colors. There's a selection guide at the end...it's at https://www.neropes.com/fileadmin/u.../Catalog/Pleasure-Marine-Catalog-2017-WEB.pdf