The demands on high performance running rigging are becoming higher and Marlow’s
Grand Prix Series offers core options using Dyneema, Vectran, and Zylon (PBO). Each has it’s own strengths and weaknesses, but Dyneema has become the “Gold Standard” for performance running rigging.
Dyneema is a UHMPE (Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene, also known as UHMWPE or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and is available in a number of different grades. All grades of Dyneema have excellent fatigue resistance (cyclic bending) and UV, chemical and abrasion resistance, but all have poor heat resistance due to a relatively low melting point (140○C).
Dyneema offers by far the best strength to weight ratio of any material used in rope manufacture and is the material of choice for high performance cores. Marlow offer a range of Dyneema cores to suit application preferences as well as budget. However, with new grades of Dyneema being introduced and different treatments available, the decision as to which core is best can often be confusing.