Welcome to "Webbing University">
We use a lot of webbing at Sewn Sails. We make Sail Ties, Winch Hook Pull Straps, Bags and other gear using a variety of different webbing. We put together this information to help you understand the difference in the various webbing we use.
Three Things affect the price of a strap, the material used to make the strap, the thickness of the strap and the length of the strap. The material used is the biggest factor affecting price. In any given material thicker straps are more expensive and, as you would expect, the price also goes up as the strap gets longer.
The three primary strap materials we use at Sewn Sails are polypropylene, nylon and polyester. We use other webbing like Dyneema (much more expensive) for some things but polypropylene, nylon and polyester are the main ones. The different webbing materials have specific characteristics which we have tried to set out in the table below.
Polypropylene | Heavy Duty | Super Heavy Duty | Nylon | Polyester | |
Price | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
Colors | 10 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Thickness | 0.048 | 0.066 | 0.081 | 0.077 | 0.06 |
Breaking Strength | 600 lbs | 900 lbs | 1500 lbs | 4200 lbs | 3800 lbs |
Abrasion | 05/10 | 05/10 | 05/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Water | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Absorbs | Waterproof |
Melting Point | 330 | 330 | 330 | 380 | 500 |
UV scale 1 to 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
($ = cost)
When we use a particular material for one of our products we try to use the material which will perform best for the customer with the least expense.
For example, we use polypropylene for Sail Ties because;
- For some people they end up being disposable (folks drop them over the side)
- The material is less expensive (see the bullet point above)
- They have sufficient UV protection (most of the time they are covered)
- They are not under load
- Polypropylene is colorfast
- Polypropylene is waterproof, mold and mildew resistant