Double Braid
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Premium Double Braid Rope Solutions
Double braid rope, also known as braid-on-braid, represents the perfect balance of strength, handling, and versatility in rope construction. Featuring a braided core inside a braided cover, this design delivers superior performance for marine, industrial, and general-purpose applications. US Rigging offers an extensive selection of high-quality double braid ropes engineered to meet the demanding requirements of professional sailors, riggers, and industrial users.
What is Double Braid Rope?
Double braid rope consists of two separate braided components: an inner braided core that provides the majority of the rope's strength, and an outer braided cover that protects the core while contributing additional strength. This core-and-cover construction creates a rope that is strong, flexible, easy to splice, and resistant to abrasion. The cover protects the load-bearing core from UV exposure, chemicals, and physical damage, significantly extending the rope's service life.
Key Characteristics of Double Braid Construction
- Core and Cover Design: Braided core provides strength, braided cover provides protection
- High Strength: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for versatile applications
- Easy to Splice: Straightforward splicing techniques for permanent terminations
- Abrasion Resistant: Protective cover shields core from wear and damage
- Flexible Handling: Soft and pliable for comfortable use
- Low Stretch: Minimal elongation for good control and efficiency
- Torque-Balanced: Minimal rotation under load
- Versatile: Suitable for wide range of marine and industrial applications
Double Braid Rope Materials
We offer double braid rope in various high-performance synthetic materials:
Double Braid Polyester Rope
Double braid polyester rope is the most popular choice for marine applications, offering excellent UV resistance, low stretch, and superior strength retention when wet. It maintains dimensional stability over time, resists most chemicals, and provides reliable performance in all weather conditions. This is the go-to rope for cruising sailors and general marine use.
Key Features:
- Excellent UV and weather resistance
- Low stretch for precise control (8-12% elongation)
- Maintains strength when wet
- Superior chemical resistance
- Minimal creep (permanent elongation)
- Easy to splice and handle
- Ideal for halyards, sheets, and dock lines
- Perfect for cruising and general marine use
Double Braid Nylon Rope
Double braid nylon rope combines the core-and-cover construction with nylon's exceptional strength and elasticity. Its shock-absorbing properties make it ideal for anchor lines, mooring lines, and towing applications where energy absorption is critical. Nylon's high elongation helps reduce shock loads on cleats, anchors, and vessels.
Key Features:
- Highest strength among common synthetic fibers
- Excellent shock absorption (15-25% stretch)
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Good resistance to oils and chemicals
- Easy to splice and handle
- Ideal for anchor lines and mooring
- Perfect for towing and dynamic loads
- Absorbs energy in rough conditions
Double Braid Polypropylene Rope
Double braid polypropylene rope offers an economical option that floats on water, making it popular for water sports, marine safety, and general-purpose applications. While not as strong as polyester or nylon, it provides good chemical resistance and won't rot or mildew.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and floats on water
- Most economical double braid option
- Good chemical resistance
- Resistant to mildew and rot
- Easy to splice and handle
- Ideal for water sports and safety lines
- Perfect for pool and recreational use
Double Braid HMPE Rope (Dyneema/Spectra Core)
High-performance double braid rope featuring an HMPE core with a polyester cover combines the ultra-high strength and low stretch of HMPE with the abrasion protection and UV resistance of a polyester cover. This hybrid construction delivers exceptional performance for racing and high-load applications.
Key Features:
- Ultra-high strength from HMPE core
- Very low stretch (3-6% elongation)
- Protective polyester cover for abrasion resistance
- Lighter than all-polyester equivalent
- Excellent UV protection from cover
- Ideal for high-performance sailing
- Perfect for heavy-duty industrial applications
Common Applications
Marine & Sailing
- Halyards and sheets
- Dock and mooring lines
- Anchor lines and rode
- Control lines and reefing
- General boat rigging
Industrial Rigging
- Winch and hoist lines
- Pulling and hauling
- Material handling
- General rigging
- Utility applications
Commercial & Utility
- Towing and recovery
- Cargo securing
- Utility and maintenance
- Construction applications
- General-purpose use
Recreation & Safety
- Water sports and skiing
- Safety and rescue lines
- Camping and outdoor
- Pool and aquatic facilities
- General recreational use
Advantages of Double Braid Rope
- Easy to Splice: Straightforward splicing techniques for permanent eyes
- Abrasion Resistant: Protective cover shields load-bearing core
- High Strength: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Flexible Handling: Soft and comfortable to work with
- Low Stretch: Minimal elongation for good control
- Torque-Balanced: Minimal rotation under load
- Versatile: Suitable for wide range of applications
- Durable: Long service life with proper care
- UV Protected: Cover protects core from sun damage
- Easy to Inspect: Cover condition indicates rope health
Double Braid vs. Other Rope Constructions
Double Braid vs. 3-Strand Twisted Rope
Double Braid Advantages: Higher strength, lower stretch, smoother handling, torque-free, better abrasion resistance
3-Strand Advantages: Easier to splice, more economical, better grip, traditional appearance, easier to inspect
Best Use: Choose double braid for performance and versatility; 3-strand for traditional applications and economy
Double Braid vs. Single Braid (12/16/24-Strand)
Double Braid Advantages: Easier to splice, protective cover, more forgiving, better for general use, UV protection for core
Single Braid Advantages: More flexible, lighter weight, smoother running, torque-free, better for high-performance
Best Use: Choose double braid for cruising and general marine; single braid for racing and specialized applications
Double Braid vs. Wire Rope
Double Braid Advantages: Much lighter, safer to handle, won't kink, easier to splice, no rust, more flexible
Wire Rope Advantages: Lower cost, better heat resistance, more compression resistant, traditional choice
Best Use: Choose double braid for most modern applications; wire rope for specialized high-heat or compression situations
Splicing Double Braid Rope
One of the greatest advantages of double braid rope is the ease of creating strong, permanent splices. The most common splice is the eye splice:
Double Braid Eye Splice
The double braid eye splice involves extracting the core, measuring and marking specific distances, then burying the core back into itself and the cover back over the core. When done correctly, this splice retains 90-95% of the rope's breaking strength.
Basic Steps:
- Mark the rope at specific distances based on rope diameter
- Extract the core from the cover
- Insert the core back into itself (core-to-core splice)
- Bury the cover over the spliced core section
- Milk the cover to smooth and tighten the splice
- Taper and finish the splice ends
Tip: While double braid splicing is more accessible than single braid splicing, proper technique is essential for safety. We recommend learning from experienced splicers or taking a splicing course. Many rope manufacturers provide detailed splicing instructions specific to their products.
Other Double Braid Splices
End-to-End Splice
Joins two rope ends together permanently. Useful for extending rope length or creating continuous loops.
Tapered Splice
Creates a gradual taper for smoother running through blocks and sheaves. Popular for halyards and sheets.
Core-to-Core Splice
Splices only the cores together, used in specialized applications or as part of eye splice construction.
Care & Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: Rinse with fresh water after use, especially in saltwater. Wash periodically with mild soap
- Proper Drying: Dry completely before storage, away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals, sharp objects, and UV exposure
- Inspection: Check cover condition regularly for abrasion, cuts, or UV damage. Inspect core by flexing rope
- Avoid Contamination: Keep rope clean and free from dirt, sand, and debris that can work into the core
- Proper Use: Use appropriate sheave sizes (minimum 4:1 diameter ratio for polyester, 6:1 for nylon)
- Load Management: Never exceed working load limits or shock load the rope
- Retirement: Retire rope showing significant cover wear, core damage, or after critical loading events
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose polyester or nylon double braid rope?
Choose polyester for applications requiring low stretch and UV resistance, such as halyards, sheets, and control lines. Polyester maintains dimensional stability and is ideal for cruising and general marine use. Choose nylon for applications requiring shock absorption, such as anchor lines, mooring lines, and towing. Nylon's elasticity helps absorb energy and reduce shock loads.
How do I know if the core is damaged?
Flex the rope along its length and feel for inconsistencies, lumps, or soft spots that indicate core damage. Check for cover movement that slides excessively over the core. Look for areas where the cover appears loose or bunched. If you suspect core damage, retire the rope or have it professionally inspected.
Can I splice double braid rope myself?
Yes, double braid splicing is one of the more accessible splicing techniques and can be learned with practice. Start with detailed instructions from the rope manufacturer, use proper tools (fid, tape, marker), and practice on scrap rope before splicing critical lines. Many sailors successfully splice their own dock lines and halyards. For critical applications, consider professional splicing.
What size rope do I need for my boat?
Rope size depends on your boat size and application. For dock lines, a common rule is 1/8" diameter per 9 feet of boat length (minimum 3/8"). For halyards and sheets, consult your boat's rigging specifications. When in doubt, size up for added strength and easier handling. Consider both breaking strength requirements and comfortable handling diameter.
How long does double braid rope last?
Lifespan varies based on usage, UV exposure, and maintenance. Dock lines in constant use may last 2-5 years. Halyards and sheets on cruising boats might last 5-10 years with proper care. Racing applications may require annual replacement. Inspect regularly and retire rope showing significant wear, UV damage, or core degradation.
Premium Double Braid Rope from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving sailors, riggers, and industrial professionals, we offer premium double braid rope from leading manufacturers.
Our double braid rope collection includes high-quality polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and HMPE-core options in various diameters, colors, and lengths. Whether you need reliable dock lines for your cruising yacht, low-stretch halyards for performance sailing, shock-absorbing anchor lines, or versatile rope for industrial applications, we have the expertise and inventory to meet your needs.
Browse our double braid rope selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for premium rope solutions that deliver the strength, versatility, and reliability you depend on.