TEST NUMBER THREE:
Nite-Ize Figure Nine:
Overall first impressions:
Seriously I thought this was a little bigger, and maybe a little better built. When I saw it on the internet, it looked bigger, this is the small version. it is an anodized aluminum bit of metal, with some directions printed on it, I really think the directions and anodizing will come off, leaving me with a bright aluminum figure nine. After handling it for awhile, and noticing the 50 pound load limit, I am really trying to find a use for such a small “knot-less” device. 50 lb load limit? There are mono-filaments that are stronger........
On to the first tests:
The very first test is to see how easy the instructions are (it looks way complicated). I must say that I have used it about 60-70 times as of this writing, and I can make it work under any conditions, dark, cold, wet, doesn't matter. Took a few tries but once learned it is simple to remember. Learn in advance.
So I took it out of the package and following the directions, setup a piece of paracord to try out. I got it setup and pulled on it......and it slipped out under moderate load (tent guy line loading). Not pleased at all, much less than 50lbs, and it frayed the cord a little. Never one to give up, I tried it on several other lines solid braid polypro, slipped and frayed, blended catfish line, slipped and frayed. They all did (and do). It slips from the side that the tag end of your rope connects to on the “hook” end of the device.
Second testing day:
Never one to give up, repeat the testing maybe it is human error, same results. Now we need to engineer this device to work, I studied the piece in hand for about 2 hours. The simple conclusion is the hook end (with the teeth) is designed wrong, it pulls the tag end up and out of the teeth, rather than in and towards the device. As soon as the tag comes away from the device, it slips and releases. The teeth should point inward, rather than be straight. BUT I figured out the simple fix, (Now is not truly knot-less). after running your lines through the device, take the tag and run it under the mainline, going right back though the same loop. Problem solved, no more releasing (and it holds well over 50 lbs with any line tested). Its not a knot, and it will never tighten, it just controls the tag, so it does not pull away from the device, now the teeth bite and it holds well.
Further testing:
I tested this thing holding guy lines (well only one as I only have one figure nine). In all conditions rain, a little sleet and snow, etc. It performed flawless, and held tension in high winds for two days.
I decided to use it as a load bearing support for some deliveries at work using paracord, and some polypro solid lines, it held easily triple the weight rating. Could have probably held more, but I was not going to push it till it broke (by now I am starting to like it). Now is when I notice that it did bend slightly from being pulled at a strange angle, cant fault the design, more operator error than anything.
So I decided to hoist a full tube of sand (70 lbs)in my yard to see if it will give out..... It held it for 6 days in varying winds and rain etc. No problems at all. Now I am really liking it. I took it down and using two blocks of wood straightened the figure nine back into shape. Time to re-string it with catfish line (what I use to stake a tent) and actually stake the tent out there. It has held up completely, even when two other stakes were removed from the same side, it held tight.
Just for fun, I tried to loop some webbing through the nine, and it works on webbing as well, as long as you place it right, it will work just the same as rope. Nice feature.
Cons:
Instructions “work” but without keeping the tag end of the hook side near or attached to the mainline, it is going to slip and tear up line.
Feels kinda cheap in hand, although it turned out better than expected, it needs a better finish, and possibly better machine work.
Possible to bend when pulled at the wrong angle
Pros:
NO more knots, even with a loop to hold the tag, it still is quick and easy to setup and teardown.
Holds as much and more than rated, no false claims and actually very conservative rating.
Sturdy design, simple construction, no moving parts.
OVERALL:
Would I buy these? Heck yes. These (the small size) are perfect for tent tie-downs, no more cutting and knotting, loop and figure nine. Nice
I beat this one up and bent it and etc. It works like new, it is cheap, saves me time and possibly money (for other devices, cut rope etc.). Overall I recommend this to anyone who uses lines or ropes, matter of fact I am buying at least two whole sets (there are multiple sizes, too I think) but two sets for the tents (12 pcs.) plus at least 6 of the larger ones.
