More information about Dyneema® rope
What is Dyneema® rope?
Dyneema® is a branded HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) fibre with an exceptional combination of strength, low weight and very low stretch. It is used to manufacture high-performance ropes where conventional fibres would need to be considerably larger or heavier to achieve a similar strength.
The fibre is highly resistant to water, many chemicals and UV exposure, does not absorb water and has excellent strength for its weight. These properties have made Dyneema® particularly popular in sailing and marine applications, as well as winching, recovery and demanding industrial use.
Is Dyneema® the same as HMPE?
Not quite. HMPE is the type of fibre; Dyneema® is a brand of HMPE fibre.
All Dyneema® is HMPE, but not all HMPE is Dyneema®.
This distinction is worth making because there are many excellent ropes manufactured from non-branded HMPE fibres. Elsewhere in our range you’ll find our standard HMPE, higher-strength HMPE Ultra and SuperBraid ropes. This collection, however, focuses on ropes manufactured using genuine Dyneema® fibre.
What are the benefits of Dyneema® rope?
Dyneema® is chosen where strength, weight and low stretch really matter. Depending on the particular rope construction, benefits can include:
- Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
- Very low stretch
- Low weight and small diameter for its strength
- Does not absorb water
- Floats
- Good resistance to UV and many chemicals
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Can be spliced to create strong, neat terminations
- Easier to handle than steel wire in many suitable applications
The construction of the finished rope is just as important as the fibre itself. Covers, coatings and core constructions affect handling, abrasion resistance, grip and suitability for different applications, so it’s worth choosing the rope for the job rather than simply choosing by diameter.
What is Dyneema® rope used for?
The combination of high strength, low weight and minimal stretch gives Dyneema® rope an unusually wide range of uses.
Yacht and dinghy rigging – Ideal for halyards, control lines and other applications where low stretch helps maintain accurate sail control.
Standing rigging and stays – Suitable Dyneema® constructions can provide an extremely lightweight alternative where high strength and minimal stretch are required.
Winching and recovery – High-strength Dyneema® ropes can provide an alternative to steel wire, reducing weight and making the line considerably easier to handle.
Industrial applications – Useful wherever high strength needs to be combined with low weight, flexibility and ease of handling.
Film, theatre and specialist rigging – The high strength available from relatively small diameter ropes makes Dyneema® useful where discreet, lightweight rigging is required.
Always select a rope according to the requirements of the particular application, including breaking load, construction, abrasion resistance and any relevant safety factors.
Our Dyneema® rope ranges
We stock three different Dyneema® rope constructions, allowing you to choose according to the performance and handling characteristics you need.
Evolution Race 78
A high-performance rope built around a 12-strand Dyneema® SK78 core with a braided high-tenacity polyester cover. The cover improves handling and helps reduce slippage, making it particularly suited to yacht and dinghy rigging and control lines.
Available in smaller diameters where high strength, low stretch and easy handling are important.
Dyneema Cruise
Designed for marine use, Dyneema Cruise combines a Dyneema® core with a braided polyester cover to provide high strength and low stretch with good handling characteristics.
Dyneema Compact Braid
A compact 12-strand rope made from genuine Dyneema® SK78 fibre, with a polyurethane coating to improve abrasion resistance. Lightweight, exceptionally strong and easy to splice, it is a useful choice where high strength with minimum diameter and weight is the priority.
Choosing the right Dyneema® rope
There isn’t one Dyneema® rope that’s right for every application. An uncovered 12-strand braid may be ideal where maximum strength and easy splicing are priorities, while a polyester-covered construction can offer better handling and additional protection where the rope runs through blocks, clutches or other equipment.
Compare the diameter, construction and breaking load of the ropes above to find the best match for your application. If you’re unsure which Dyneema® rope you need, get in touch – we’re always happy to help.