Coming from Skeeter Beater Pro

[toddseimer]

So I've been using a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beater Pro for the past few years and I moded it this year with a ridgeline to run the bug net through but I'm not loving it. My main problem is that there is way to much bug net and it drapes on my face and drives me crazy. It's a 10'6" long hammock and at 6'3" it's tricky to get a flat lie. The hammock is 5' wide but there are sewn strips on each edge with will run ridges under you if you lay on them. So these dilemma's bring me to the Darien. I'm an Ohio guy so I love the fact that Dream is located here in my home state. I also like the asym bug net design and that there isn't extra fabric, it looks like a very taught design for both hammock and net. So here where I could use some advice if I do make the upgrade this year.

a.) How long should I go?
b.) How wide should/can I go?
c.) Which fabric should I go with? (I'm only about 140lbs.)
d.) Does the asym bug net design lend to a flatter lie?
e.) By the time I add an extra foot and go with the robic I'm in the price range of Warbonnet, what's the advantage/ differences?

[goobie]

First of all, email the Smurfs. They're great to work with.

a) 11' for sure. Under 5' 10" or so, maybe a 10 footer.
b) 60" is fairly standard, but that's growing with the newer, wider fabrics.
c) 1.0 Robic would be my choice, though I've yet to try it.
d) I think the design in general is a big improvement over the GT design.
e) Customization and the newest fabrics are the biggest differences I'm aware of, but I've never been in either one.

Hope that helps. You're in for a whole new hammocking experience!

[karbo]

I just left my sbp affer three years and several modes and went to a clark tx 270. I am also 6'3" @ 230 lbs really liked my skeeter beater and learned alot wich has made me really apprecate the clark. Good luck and happy hanging.

[dandv]

I also started with a skeeter beeter pro,,, had it for 2 years. Did the ridgeline thru the netting and tied the netting loops together with small bungee cord. Worked ok, still had a little loose fabric.. but served the purpose. Finally pulled the trigger on a DH Sparrow
11' x 5'... zippers both sides (left and right) detachable overcover (works great in cooler to cold weather like we had in Maine this weekend) and removable bugnet. Can't say enough about the hammock... The Smurfs make a great product. Can't comment on a Warbonnet, I have not been in one but haven't heard any complaints form owners I have talked to. Either way I am sure you will enjoy the upgrade... I know I am! Good luck.

[toddseimer]

Thanks everybody for the feedback. I'll reach out and them probably end up buying one, any luck selling your Skeeter Beaters?

[DuctTape]

When I used a SBPro, I also did the ridgeline mod, I also used sticks in the loops to separate the bugnet like Claytor hammocks. Now I just use a claytor.

[JmBoh]

for 6'3" the 1.6 hyper D wide or the new robic XL would be a solid choice. the wide fabric finishes about 66 inches(ish), which should give you plenty of room. i have a sparrow made of the wide fabrics and i'm 6' tall. i have plenty of room once i find the comfy spot. nice and flat and i can even sleep on my side easily. good stuff! shoot the Smurfs an email. they're awesome folks to work with.