Dyneema / Polyester Cord (1.5mm or 2.0mm) sold per meter

The Ideal Guy Line Companion for the Line-Lok Mini: Ultra Light, Ultra Strong

Phenomenally strong and incredibly light, Dyneema is a high density polyethylene polymer. These guyline cords have an inner core and an outer cover; the Dyneema core provides all the strength and the polyester cover (in 16 or 32 plait variants) protects the core from abrasion.  The Dyneema cords are very tear resistant, stretch very little and are UV-inert (so won't weaken from sun exposure). The breaking strength (of both variants) is 120 kg (125daN) and at just 1.7g (1.5mm) or 3.0g (2.0mm) per meter are ultra lightweight.

This cordage is the ideal choice for the Clamcleat Line-Lok mini (and Clamcleat, the industry leader for cord adjusters use cords from both manufacturers featured here for their testing and product development).

Scramble now offer two weights of Dyneema / Polyester cord, one from Marlow Ropes (MR), the other from English Braids (EB). In terms of quality there's nothing between them; here's a brief summary of the differences:

MR-15 : Marlow Ropes Excel Racing 1.5mm 16 Plait Dyneema Polyester Cord (1.7g per meter, SK78 Dyneema)

Marlow Ropes' Excel Racing 1.5mm cord is very similar to Scramble's previous offering, featuring a 12-strand SK78 Dyneema core, however Marlow Ropes provide a slightly more robust and abrasion resistant 16-plait woven polyester cover, making it less prone to twisting / knotting which results in a minuscule 0.1g per meter weight gain (so if you use 10m you'll have to carry a single additional gram). In return you get a slightly more premium and robust cord with an identical breaking load of 120kg. Scramble's recommended cord for ultralight users.  

EB-20 : English Braids DS 2.0mm 32 Plait Dyneema Polyester Cord (3.0g per meter, SK78 Dyneema)

English Braids make an excellent, slightly heavier-weight cord which has a more robust outer cover made from a 32-plait polyester.  This is an excellent choice for high-wear / high-stress uses where cord adjusters or environmental factors may abrade the cord. The DS cord uses the same 12-strand Dyneema core and has the same 120kg breaking strength as the MR 1.5mm cord, but being slightly thicker, the cord is a little easier to work with and even more durable.

The cost of a tougher 32-plait jacket is an additional 1.3g per meter.  This would be an excellent choice for all those who do not need to shave every last gram off their kit and want a premium and extremely durable line (or for those who prefer High Viz Neon Yellow over High Viz Lime).

For some users, a combination of 1.5mm and 2.0mm cords may provide the ideal solution (and both work well with the Clamcleat Line-Lok minis).

About Marlow Ropes & English Braids

Marlow Ropes and English Braids are elite rope and cord manufacturers both with enviable global reputations. Their high tech ropes and cords are used across a wide range of industries and activities from spaceflight to deep sea marine, from abseiling to elite yachting.

Technical Specification

• Breaking Strength: 125daN (= 120 kg)
• Diameter: 1.5 mm (MR) or 2.0mm (EB)
• Weight (per meter): 1.7 g (MR) or 3.0g (EB)
• Core Material: Dyneema SK78
• Cover Material 16 Plait (MR) or 32 Plait (EB) Polyester (PES)

About Dyneema

Dyneema® is an UHMwPE (Ultra High Molecular weight Polyethylene) or HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) fibre developed by DSM in the Netherlands some 30 years ago. Known as the world’s strongest, lightest fiber – 15 times stronger than steel, yet floats on water – Dyneema® works to stop bullets, repair human joints and improve the longevity of apparel. So what makes Dyneema® so special?

• High Strength: On a weight for weight basis, Dyneema® is 15 times stronger than steel wire.
• Light Weight: Size for size, a rope made with Dyneema® is 8 times lighter than steel wire rope.
• Water resistant: Dyneema® is hydrophobic and does not absorb water, meaning it remains light when working in wet conditions.
• UV Resistant: Dyneema® has very good resistance to photo degradation, maintaining its performance when exposed to UV light

In Use:  Scramble's choice for use with their recommended ultralight tarp featured in this review