Asymetrical vs Any Direction?

[SteveE]

Can anyone explain to me the difference in the two types of lays for hammocks? I understand how they are cut differently, but what are the advantages of one over the other? For example, I'm looking at the Dream Hammocks. the Sparrow is Asymetrical but the Raven is "Any Direction"....

Sorry if this is a stupid question...I wasn't able to find an answer in a quick search

[Tikker]

asym is cut so that you ALWAYS have your head to one side, and feet to the other

symmetrical or "any direction" means you can lay with head right, feet left, and the next time you get in, head left, feet right

most people gravitate to a specific side, so it makes sense to do asym in that direction

if you don't know, or if you like to switch it up, then pick symmetrical/"any direction"

[SteveE]

Makes sense! I toss and turn all over the place so sounds like a symmetrical might suit my needs best. Thanks for the reply!

[Tikker]

no worries

I had the exact same questions when I started looking into it too

[Firesong]

You can still toss and turn in a asymmetrical hammock. Change sides you lay on etc. Usually a person has this weird gravitation to a specific lay. Right or left.

[IRONFISH45]

As I refined my choice of hammock gear, I accidentally found left lay is my natural choice. Hanging is better with my left lay. I used my ENO, Hennessy, blackbird and a few others. Then I bought a left lay Blackbird, AH, a light came on, this is the right way to lay. Feels really natural. If I hurt which is rare in a hammock, I sleep on the right, but much prefer the left, it is natural for me.

I also had a switchback which is a either side lay, hence the name, it was good. There are a lot of hammocks that are either or.

[Cabbo]

Not sure if this is the same with everyone, the way l set my UQ with my symmetrical hammock, is head left feet right, with some increased tension too the secondary suspension of my UQ on my foot side or right side.

So even though l can change directions, l will need to readjust my quilt for any cold draft leakages, this it isn't a huge thing to retention, just something l thought to bring up, as mentioned this may not be a requirement for everyone.

[hutzelbein]

Asym only means that the net is cut like a parallelogram, which means that when the net is closed you will have to lie in a specific direction - or you will put a lot of stress on the net. The hammock itself is always symetric and allows you to lie in any direction.

[NarlocB]

You mention both Sparrow and Raven (both excellent choices). The SLD mentioned above is also a great choice. But as being new to hammocks, until you are comfortable in knowing which way you prefer to lay in the hammock, i would suggest the symmetrical hammocks.

I chose the raven as well since it will be used by me or my wife. This way it doesn't matter "who" uses it or which way they prefer to lay. If i was single and i know which way i sleep now after a few years of using hammocks i would go with the Sparrow.

Just my $.02 but either choice you make is a great hammock.

[SteveE]

Thanks for the insight guys I really appreciate it!