Differences
Hi,
Tail lengths vary according to product strength, slickness, and construction. Samson's and New England's are based on "fid lengths," which in turn are based on 21x the rope diameter. I prefer the more easily-calculated multiples of 8x diameter. This does result in slightly longer tails, which in turn accommodates a longer, fairer taper, which I find more chafe- and jam-resistant, and more handsome than a blunt taper.
Splicing technique also varies, and you might also look at Yale's method for "Class II" splices, but the results are comparable. I find that Samson's double-exit is cumbersome, at least for the tools I use, and especially with good, tough rope.
So recommendation: long taper, with suitably long tail.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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