My only reason for suggesting a DYI is I thought I knew what i wanted and when I bought my first hammock it was a Clark. Loved it until I figured out some things I would prefer that it didn't have. However making your own you can adjust and change it once you have your basic rectangle of ripstop you can make channels or just a whipped end, or after you find you don't like a gathered end you can try your hand at a bridge with the material. Also most purchased models are more expensive than a DIY. I understand that when you are just starting out you mostly have no idea what you want but...with a store bought brand you get what ya get and that's that.