Newb searching for direction... DIY vs Purchase

**USMC_LB** · 10-06-2010, 20:15

Hey ya'll !

I am new here and have been looking and reading all I can. My main motivation to join was to see about making a DIY hammock. But after all my lurking and reading I am questioning my plans.

So far I like all the amenities that the WBBB offers. I am not naturally a back sleeper ( more of a belly n side kinda guy ) and wondering if I would even be comfortable in a hammock. I know for a fact I am no longer "comfortable" sleeping on the ground which is why "hanging" is so attractive to me.

Should I try and make a BB clone or save myself the time and purchase one?

Is there a more simple hammock that I could make that would allow me to "testdrive" the feel of a WBBB style hammock ?

Would I be better off in the longterm just purchasing a WBBB and never looking back ?

I am looking to the knowledge and experience of others who have already walked this path to help me make the right decisions and not waste time following my inexperienced delusions.

Thanks, LB

**Bubba** · 10-06-2010, 20:22

I'm not a DIYer but from what I have read it does not necessarily save money considering the costs, time and effort in making say a BB clone. The satisfaction comes from accomplishing the project and if that is what you like then give it a try.
If you purchase a BB you won't have a problem selling it for near it's original purchase price and it will give you the answer as to whether you will find it comfortable or not.

**MacEntyre** · 10-06-2010, 20:28

If you want to try a Blackbird, without spending the money, then get a Traveler. If it doesn't work for you, then sell it on HF.

**Dutch** · 10-06-2010, 20:29

I personally would have a tough time making a WBBB clone. Especially if I don't have one to go by. I find the BB to be very spacious and I like the shelf, but I don't think it has a much different lay than many other hammocks. YMMV. If all you want to know is about how comfortable you will sleep in it, you could try almost any hammock DIY or commercial. Brandon will make you a BB in the future and then you get all those amenities.

**JohnSawyer** · 10-06-2010, 20:52

realistically, you can make a WBBB clone, but for a few dollars more, you could just have one.

Realistically, DIY is not cheaper...

**G.L.P.** · 10-06-2010, 20:54

My WBBB is my goto hammock...it's just well made
i would have to agree with dutch to make one without having one to work off of would be hard to do...
the big thing about the WBBB to me is...the Footbox
i really like the footbox

**G.L.P.** · 10-06-2010, 20:55

Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

realistically, you can make a WBBB clone, but for a few dollars more, you could just have one.

Realistically, DIY is not cheaper...

sometimes it is...sometimes it's not ..i think 80% of the time it's not

**Peg-Leg** · 10-06-2010, 21:28

A simple DIY gathered end hammock is very inexpensive to make. Even if you buy regular priced ripstop, you're material should be under $30. If/when you get a WBB you would probably want to add whoopie slings. For $20 now you could purchase some Amsteel and make your own with tons left over for use on a WBB.

I have made 6 DIY hammocks so far and still haven't spent over $100 on ripstop. Found a lot of good material on clearance at my local WM.

If you feel you could sew together a DIY gathered end, I will be happy to send you the required amount of ripstop at no cost to you. All you would need then would be some amsteel for whoopies and a ridgeline.

Just let me know.

Peg-leg

**GvilleDave** · 10-06-2010, 21:54

You mentioned that you are not a back sleeper. I am not either, BUT once I started hammock camping I find that at least part of the night I do comfortably sleep on my back in a hammock... I still side sleep too and that works well for me in gathered end (WBBB & HH Clone).

I also second what others here have said, buy the WBBB and give it a few nights in the woods. Worst case if you don't like the experience you can sell it and get almost all your money back out.