Line Information
Line types and reserve-to-container compatibility reference.
Suspension Line Types
| Line Type | Break Strength | Stretch | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dacron (Type III) | 550 lb | High | Student / Older systems | Softer openings, heavier, bulkier packs |
| Spectra / Dyneema | 400–1000 lb | Very Low | High performance mains | Low drag, heat-sensitive, trim changes over time |
| Vectran | 400–1000 lb | Very Low | High performance mains | More UV resistant than Spectra, stiff |
| HMA (High Mod Aramid) | 400–1000 lb | Very Low | Elliptical mains | Stiff, low bulk, trim stable |
| Technora | 400–1000 lb | Low | Mixed performance | Good UV resistance, flexible |
Strength Loss Reference Charts
Visual reference for line wear progression and corresponding strength loss across common suspension line materials.
Dacron's elastic properties are more forgiving of an abrupt opening than other line types. That is why Dacron is a popular choice for students, camera flyers or anyone else who wants to minimize the results of a hard opening and is not overly concerned with the addition of more bulk. Dacron is the largest of the line choices and is not a good choice for someone looking to minimize drag or pack volume.
Vectran (including orange-coated Vectran) is very dimensionally stable, meaning it will hold its trim extremely well. This makes it a standard choice on high performance canopies. However, it is more prone to abrasion than Microline, especially in sandy, desert environments.
Microline / Spectra is the most abrasion-resistant of the line types and is less susceptible to wear from desert environments than HMA or Vectran. However, Microline is not as dimensionally stable as other line types, meaning that the canopy's lines tend to shrink as the canopy is jumped repeatedly. The shrinkage is caused by several factors, including friction created by the slider as it descends during the opening. After several hundred jumps, some of the lines may be a few inches shorter than they were when the canopy was new. This is what we mean when we say a canopy is "out of trim."
HMA has similar properties to Vectran, but with smaller pack volume and slightly less drag. It has a softer feel than Vectran and is susceptible to abrasion and snagging, especially in sandy environments.