Synthetic fibres -- objective performance ratings?

[Justaddwata]

My disappointment at the Sail test was that they failed to reference the pin diameter. The larger the diameter of the pin the greater the load on the knot. Also the diameter of the eye formed (by knot or splice) is also important info for reference.

I worked with Brion some time ago when he was reviewing knots in HM ropes. He did a write up on the subject also.

Back to the original topic of the thread. Comparison tests are only as good as the test method used. Repeatability and consistancy of the aparatus and method is the only way to make a test that yeilds usable data. There are so many ropes, tests, reviews, experts, and final applications that it is a daunting task to consider. I have seen several good abrasion test methods and know NER had done some work with these methods in evaluating chafe of mooring pennants.

The use of PBO in jackets is for its resistance to extreme heat and abrasion. The fact that its life is not much longer than that of milk when in the sun seems of little consequence to those with big budgets and high expectations.

When it comes to bears chewing through Vectran Vs Spectra - you may want to consider if this is abrasion or shear. Spectra is certainly superior in cut resistance - but that is not abrasion. My experience has been that Spectra and Vectran are comaprable in an abrasive environment. I have never done an apples to apples test to distruction of both Spectra and vectran. Spectra will certainly have an advantage with how slick a surface it is. But again - with the testing. You would have to consider under what load such abrasion would be occurring, what braid is used for each, How rough a surface etc.

I am interested in seeing more testing. Strength loss over varying radius. Tensile breaks at varying travel rates. Abrasion of different fiber types, different braid types, different loads, different abrasive surfaces. UV Degridation. Shock loading. and so on.