I ordered 5 sample fabrics to test for my upcoming DIY Hammock. Here are the fabrics that I tested:
- Ripstop Nylon 1.9
- HyperD 1.6
- HEX70 2.1
- Hexon 1.6
- Hexon 2.4
Softness
The first test was softness. I performed a blind test by rubbing each fabric on the back of my hand. I repeated this test three times. Below are the results (1 is the softest, 5 is the roughest).
- HyperD 1.6
- Hexon 1.6
- Ripstop Nylon 1.9
- Hexon 2.4
- HEX70 2.2
In general, fabric softness was strongly associated with its weight (e.g. 1.6oz/yd). The exception was HEX70, which was especially rough. The ripstop lines on the HEX70 seemed to be raised more than the other fabrics, which seemed to be responsible for the rough feel.
Strength (localized)
The second test was localized strength. For this test, I grasped the fabric using my thumb and index finger with both hands. I began with the side of my thumbs touching, then pulled and rolled my hands apart about 1 inch while grasping firmly. This test is intended to simulate a localized load, such as a heel or elbow jabbing into the fabric. All of the fabrics performed well when my pull was oriented with the grain. They all became permanently distorted to some degree when my pull was oriented against the grain. My rating was determined by how well the fabric stood up to this test. I repeated these tests no less than three times for each fabric. Below is the results (1 is the strongest, 5 is the weakest).
- Hexon 2.4
- Hexon 1.6
- Hex70 2.2
- HyperD 1.6
- Ripstop Nylon 1.9
The ripstop on the Hexon 1.6 and 2.4 performed significantly better than the others. With the other fabrics, strands began to pull apart across multiple adjacent ripstop cells. Additionally, each individual cell would collapse or expand - affecting (weakening) the adjacent cells. With the ripstop on the Hexon fabrics, the strands only pulled apart within individual cells (though the same pattern existed through all of the cells that pressure was being applied) and each cell was able to maintain its original shape and size.
Summary
If your priority is softness, HyperD is for you. If you desire the best localized strength, the Hexon fabrics are the way to go. And for those that want the most well rounded fabric, you cannot go wrong with Hexon 1.6. As for my upcoming DIY Hammock? I will be using Hexon 1.6.
Photos
Hexon 1.6
Hexon 1.6.jpg
Hexon 2.4
Hexon 2.4.jpg
HyperD 1.6
HyperD 1.6.jpg
Ripstop Nylon 1.9
Nylon 1.9.jpg
HEX70 2.2
HEX70 2.2.jpg
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