Cinch Buckles Fraying Straps

**SteelPlayer** · 09-06-2018, 10:08

I have an inexpensive starter hammock that came with a CL attached to a cinch buckle suspension. The buckles are aluminium and of reasonable quality. The original straps were less than ideal.

I was getting into the hammock one evening for a night of porch camping and felt myself slowly sink to the deck. It seems one of the buckles was slightly off center and caused the buckle to shred the side of the straps. So badly the strap was unusable. I know this was a cheap hammock and the CL does not hang level but is it this complicated? Since then I have been careful to ensure the buckles are level and even, before getting in the hammock. I replaced the original straps with some poly straps from Dutchware but I've managed to cause some damage again to both of the straps although they are still usable.

Is this common with cinch buckles? Does one need to be so meticulous to check that the buckles are aligned perfectly before getting in the hammock?

Or do I just need to explore other suspension options? I am saving my pennies for a Dutchware Chameleon and want to buy the right suspension the first time with the new hammock.

I'm considering either Beetle Buckles or Cinch Bugs.

**Tyroler Holzhacker** · 09-06-2018, 10:18

The Beetle buckle is the superior buckle over the cinch bug IMHO. I initially ordered a cinch bug, but then the beetle buckle came out, and Dutch graciously allowed me to exchange the cinch bugs for the beetles. Dutch is awesome. The beetle buckle also allows one to hang two hammocks from the same two trees with the use of a 33" spreader bar, also available from Dutchwaregear.com

**Shug** · 09-06-2018, 10:19

not all cinch buckles are created equally.
some i have never had slip.some i have.
beetle buckle in second video 5:35 in.
but like all rigging and suspension, take a moment to look it over before crawling in.
like tuning a guitar before going onstage.
shug

**gunner76** · 09-06-2018, 10:44

I have noticed over the years that soft straps are more prone to fraying than stiffer straps.

**SteelPlayer** · 09-06-2018, 10:59

Well, My first $26.00 hammock from overstock.com did exactly what it was intended to do. It got me off the ground and into hammock camping.

I'm moving on now and deciding on a semi-permanent gear setup so I want to make as informed a decision as I can. I may try to wait until the Medoc hang so I can see some of the setups in action before I make any big purchases. More than likely I'll be spending my hard earned retirement money on some new gear before then.

I'm also thinking about making a new 20° UQ before the hang. I've got nothing but time hanging here at the house after getting a pacemaker installed last Friday. When you're over 60 the fun never stops.

**Shug** · 09-06-2018, 11:02

Originally Posted by SteelPlayer

Well, My first $26.00 hammock from overstock.com did exactly what it was intended to do. It got me off the ground and into hammock camping.

I'm moving on now and deciding on a semi-permanent gear setup so I want to make as informed a decision as I can. I may try to wait until the Medoc hang so I can see some of the setups in action before I make any big purchases. More than likely I'll be spending my hard earned retirement money on some new gear before then.

I'm also thinking about making a new 20° UQ before the hang. I've got nothing but time hanging here at the house after getting a pacemaker installed last Friday. When you're over 60 the fun never stops.

yep...60 here.
heal up well.
i had shoulder surgery yesterday.
shug

**OlTrailDog** · 09-06-2018, 18:19

May you young fellers heal up quickly.

Last year at 66 I had enough get up and go to build this building. This year at 67 there are days that I wonder if I could have accomplished same thing. Notwithstanding I'm currently in the throes of hanging and taping drywall, or at least I think I am? At least I made it out into the hills much more than last year!

**Dutch** · 09-06-2018, 20:28

That happens when the buckle doesn't pull straight. Here is a vid...

**BillyBob58** · 09-06-2018, 22:08

About 10 years ago I put a Harbor Freight yellow strap through a cinch buckle on one end of my Claytor No Net. I just left the stock sus pension on the other end. Once I did not get the buckle perfectly aligned and slowly hit the ground. It did fray the strap on the edges in a few spots. But, I am still using that very same strap on that hammock all these years later. It looks about the same, maybe it wil dump me someday.