Paracord

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I am shopping for paracord. I bought 50 ft. thinking I would like to look at it before purchasing the larger quantity online. Good thing it was much smaller diameter than it appeared online. Having no experience with paracord I figured it was time to ask for help. I am looking for the Mil spec I guess what is refered to as 550. What I bought ref. 550 but I know that is not as thick in diameter as the military cord I saw my AF Dad with growing up. I would like to hear about the different options available as well as sources of purchase.

[welderguy]

Here is what I found when I was hunting for cord info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracord

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I was just looking at that. Thanks, it looks like I bought Class II and probably wanted Class IV. Does anyone have a good reputable source for Class IV?

[Rick]

CS - I did a write up on paracord some time ago. Here is the link. Go to post #46.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...aracord&page=3

The stuff being sold as Mil Spec is 550 lb rated but it is NOT military paracord. You can buy it but it's about twice the price, even at wholesale, than the stuff you see on the military web stores. Still good quality stuff and, personally, see no reason to buy military paracord when 550 rated is plenty good enough.

[SARKY]

Check out Brigade Quatermaster

[Rick]

If you want to purchase in bulk, this is probably the best price you'll find. This is Type III Commercial cord.

http://www.imsplus.com/gi-parachute-...oot-spool.html

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Rick,

Thanks, I had done a search for paracord but not 550 paracord so I didn't locate the previous post before posting. I read all of the previous post and did some online research. I came to the same conclusion that class III comercial will suit me fine for my intended use. I appreciate the help. The class II stuff I got online is also sufficient for some projects I had planned. Thanks all.

[Sarge47]

If you want to purchase in bulk, this is probably the best price you'll find. This is Type III Commercial cord.

http://www.imsplus.com/gi-parachute-...oot-spool.html

...not the lowest price, this is:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Searc...Parachute+Cord

[Top it off - let it idle]

I bought some from Supply Captain after reading an article on making paracord bracelets. Good quality, huge selection and what I thought was a good price.

[Ken]

I would like to hear about the different options available as well as sources of purchase.

If you want to purchase in bulk, this is probably the best price you'll find. This is Type III Commercial cord.

http://www.imsplus.com/gi-parachute-...oot-spool.html

And look at the colors........

"Available in Olive Drab, Tan, Black, .......... Neon Pink, or Rose Pink."

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

And look at the colors........

Ken, see the post "about survival equipment" for response.

[Ken]

Read the other thread. I agree. The entire concept of a pink squirrel is just sick.

[oldsoldier]

cheaper than dirt.com also has it you can get lenghts from 50' to 500' normally.

[crashdive123]

Local Navy Exchange now carries it (yeah, I know that doesn't help you). Bought it from Amazon in 300 ft rolls before that.

[HOSSFLY]

I gotta 1000 ft off of ebay,like 45.00 dollars to the door it was the 550 type, OD green

[Mountain Man]

This is where I got mine from in 2005:

http://www.campingsurvival.com/oldr10fe.html
http://www.campingsurvival.com/55blny10ftco.html

Not sure which I got.. (Just looked at my old invoice mine says ROTH - So I believe that's the second, wow it's 2x what I paid in 05)

Their site has changed a bunch sense then so not sure its the same but the stuff I got was nice. I got black, and white from them back then.

[Old GI]

You can get a lot of "parachute cord" and much more by looking for old surplus parachutes that have not been de-militarized (de-milled) by cutting the suspension lines off just below the canopy. The whole parachute has so many uses as well. Technically, anything that goes to property disposal (DRMO nowadays) cannot be used for its intended purpose, i.e. jumping. It is unlikely that you will find that cord since it's used by so many troops for so many purposes.

[RCKCRWLER]

My vote is for Supply captain.
http://www.supplycaptain.com
http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?category=6 (paracord link)
Awesome customer service, great selection, and super fast shipping.

[Rick]

That's an excellent example of what to look out for. "Our cord is real genuine US military issue 7 strand Kernmantle style 550 cord in 100 foot lengths conforming to MIL-C-5040 Type III." Words like "style" and "conforms" tell you it is NOT MIL-C-5040 Type III paracord. Hence the $48.00 price, which is pretty standard.

Nothing wrong in my book with that cord just don't be fooled into thinking it's real MIL-C-5040 Type III.

[NCO]

I just settle with FDF issue "jekkulanka" (trick wire)...
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This is again one of those perfect inventions. There isn't almost anything that cant be fixed with trusty ol' "jekku".