Break Test Extravaganza(s)

[k7cej]

Brion:
I have been away from SparTalk for a while and find the soft shackle thread intriguing. I would like to make some but am somewhat confused as to which design to use. So far, the immediate links lead to three different designs.

On our Outbound 44 Sequoia we use quite a few Spectra web loops (5/8" sewn loops purchased from REI) to attach blocks to the Al toe rail or foredeck padeyes. typically, we pass a bight through the attachment and capture both "ends" of the doubled loop in the block's shackle. (There are thus 4 lengths of web sharing the load.) This eliminated metal-metal wear and noise, and I have never had one wear out or break in >33,000nm.

So if I want to make soft shackles with the strength of 3/8" 316 stainless shackles, which design and what line size would you recommend?
Craig