ROPE DESCRIPTION PAGE for New England Ropes Fibers The Quality Starts with the Fiber We use only the highest quality fibers, combined with advanced design and construction, to produce the best rope available. Each line on a boat serves a specific purpose and requires different performance characteristics. Nylon's outstanding strength, good elasticity and excellent abrasion resistance make it an ideal choice for dock and anchor lines. Polyester's high strength and low stretch are ideally suited for running rigging applications. Where very low stretch, high strength and light weight are required, Spectra, Technora and Vectran are perfect solutions. Fiber Characteristics NYLON Most elastic of all fibers High stretch & strength Minimal strength loss when exposed to sunlight Ideal for use where stretch & energy absorption are important, such as in dock-and-anchor lines POLYESTER Low stretch fiber Very good abrasion resistance wet or dry Excellent weathering characteristics Spun Polyester is fuzzy, Filament Polyester is smooth Good choice for running rigging requiring moderate to low stretch, good durability and a nice feel. Often referred to as DACRON, a DuPont trade name POLYPROLENE Light weight and no stretch Floats Very susceptible to UV degradation Melts under high friction TECHNORA Highest strength aramid fiber Very low stretch Subject to fatigue if cycled over small radius Does not creep under normal loads Black version has superior resistance to UV degradation Ideal for low stretch running rigging, such as halyards. SPECTRA Very high strength and very low stretch Light weight; will not absorb water Low melting point -- susceptible to friction Very slippery "Creeps" -- gets longer under sustained load Ideal for low stretch running rigging requiring light weight CONSTRUCTIONS New England Ropes goes to great lengths to achieve optimum performance from every line. We have a specific type of line to meet each of your needs. DOUBLE BRAID A braided core inside a braided cover produces an easy-to-handle rope that is strong and very durable. A popular construction for running rigging and dock lines. Used in Sta-Set, Spect-Set II, T-900, V-100, and Double Braid dock lines. PARALLEL CORE A patented unidirectional fiber core with a braided cover produces a line with significantly less stretch and greater strength than the same size double braid line. Ideal for halyards, sheets and guys, where low stretch is required. Used in Sta-Set X, Sta-Set X Plus, Sta-Set X Lite and Brite Lite. SINGLE BRAID A flexible and supple construction that absorbs twist and does not kink. Perfect for mainsheets, furling lines and large dock lines. Used in Regatta Braid, Regatta Lite, SpecTwelve, V-12 and Mega Braid. THREE STRAND A special stabilization process and a four-stage, balanced construction produces a durable, long-lasting, flexible and easy-to-handle rope that won't harden with age. Ideal for anchor, dock, mooring and tow lines, and for running rigging on traditional cruising boats.