Need a hammock with mosquito net (Blackbird vs RoamingGnome)

**readyme** · 08-13-2015, 19:14

Howdy
I am looking to get a new hammock...one with mosquito netting built in.
The top 2 seem to be the Warbonnet Blackbird and the Dream Hammock RoamingGnome.

Has anybody used both? can you compare them?
Or are there other options I don't know about?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

**Tangent** · 08-13-2015, 21:22

I love my Blackbird. I am, however, looking at getting a Dream Hammock Thunderbird and passing the WBBB to my son. If you are 5'10" or taller, you may want to look at the WBBB XLC or an 11' RoamingGnome. The Blackbird is a 10' hammock and it is pretty widely accepted here on HF that 11' is more comfortable the taller you are.

**readyme** · 08-13-2015, 21:28

Thanks for the info.
I forgot to mention I am 5'11"...which is right on the cusp of fitting the 10' and moving up to an 11'.

If I may be so bold...why the move from the WBBB to the Thunderbird?

**Tangent** · 08-13-2015, 22:51

I want to try an 11' and really like Papa Smurf's design and reputation. Figured I'd give it a go. My son is growing and is almost as tall as me now, might get taller, in which case I might trade by BB for a BB XLC. So mostly to try something else. After the TB I will probably get into DIY.

**Sailor** · 08-13-2015, 22:57

I'm 6'1'' in the WBBB and fit fine. Its #1 in my book.

**readyme** · 08-14-2015, 02:36

There seems to be quite a few options from Dream Hammock...but I have yet to hear anybody say something negative about the 10' WBBB. So far it's at the top of my list.
Now....what are the chances I can find one in the classifieds and save a few bucks?

**hutzelbein** · 08-14-2015, 06:10

Vanilla ice cream vs. chocolate ice cream. I like chocolate better

I'm 5'4" and own a 10' WBBB as well as an 11' DH RoamingGnome (which is really longer than I need). They are both great hammocks, with the DH having the edge over the WB in terms of workmanship (the WB doesn't have any faults and isn't sewn badly or anything, but the DH was made custom for me and it shows) and options. But I sleep better in my WBBB - I think the design simply works better for me.

As you know, the BB has two unique features: the footbox and the shelf. Some, like myself, love them - others don't see the point. Other than that, the main difference to the RG is the whipping (DHs are channel end hammocks, unless you specifically ask for something else), and that the BB's zipper only opens on one side. This has never been an issue for me, though. Of course with DH you can ask for any fabric and color that Dutch and Ripstopbytheroll offer, plus a couple more. And DH will try to fulfill any custom wishes you might have.

Honestly, the only way of finding out which of the two hammocks works better for you is to try them out for at least one night. If you can't, just decide which features sound better to you, or throw a coin. Both hammocks have a high re-sale value, so your risk is minimal.

**readyme** · 08-14-2015, 11:37

Thanks for the insight.
From what I have seen and read, I believe everything you say. WBBB is the only hammock that explicitly mentions the shelf and footbox...these seem to really set them apart.

**hutzelbein** · 08-14-2015, 13:16

WB invented the footbox and shelf; I think he has a patent or patent pending. If you want these features, you'll have to buy a BB.

**KiwiMark** · 08-14-2015, 15:38

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

you'll have to buy a BB.

I've spent too much recently but it wont take long before I've got money to spend again.
I'm looking at buying a BB XLC and also a Superfly tarp - these look to be good options and well worth the price IMO.
But I've no doubt that other cottage manufacturers also make really good gear worth considering.
I feel that spending the money on good gear that will last you many years is well worth it, you end up with good gear to use for years after getting over the pain of parting with the money.