masterline slide loop

[texas_slalom_trick]

Hey ballers,at nationals I got the new masterline slide loop rope, and haven't noticed the advantages of the slide loop part, because the only other person thats used it,but she only uses 15 off. I wondered what y'alls thoughts on it were.

[Edbrazil]

The "slide loop" is a great innovation that several towline companies use. I'm just kicking myself

for not thinking of this splicing variation many years ago. I used to fid up jump towlines with a

small double-thick small loop at the boat end, that just barely popped over the pylon knob, with

a little forcing.

Back circa 1970, when I was making "Ultra Handles", which were golf-grip type handles, I would

fid them up without knots. Just double-weave splices. All tested to 700 lbs., and checked for

proper length. That was back in the days of Glad Handles, wood handles, etc.

[webbdawg99]

If you're referring to the rope that I think you are....most ski partners don't like it bc its more difficult to get on and off the pylon. I had one. My boat crew always complained and asked me when I was going to get a new rope.

[texas_slalom_trick]

@webbdawg99 what brand are you talking about? There are several different brands that make a slide loop rope. Masterline just came out with one. The regular pro rope might be what your thinking about. It looks just like it, but I find more challenging. It might also be your pilon. What boat do you have?

[jdarwin]

We sold a bunch of these when they were first released - some have gone back to using the "pro" mainline.

[webbdawg99]

It's a masterline. Nautique 200

[skihorse]

I just bought 2 from jdarwin. My crew loves them. Super fast line change. My boat is a Malibu TXi and we have zero issues even with the wakeye on.

[jdarwin]

@skihorse - we use those in our tournaments for those reasons.

[thager]

I have a couple now that I bought from JD. Awesome ropes!

[A_B]

I'll go on record that I don't care much for the slide lock rope. Too much fidgeting when I'm driving. We usually don't have observers so I like easy.

[TallSkinnyGuy]

When I am driving I frequently have to grab the rope behind me and flip it up so it doesn't catch on the swim deck ('97 MC Prostar 190). I have tried just using the loop in my rope without doing any kind of cinching and it tends to come off the pylon when I do the previously described flipping maneuver. I was looking at buying one of these ropes because I thought it would allow me to snug the rope on the pylon without doing the loop-through method that tends to cause extra wear on the rope. Is my problem just that I have a cheap rope with loops that are too big? Or should I go ahead and get one of these ropes with slide loops that can cinch down a bit?

[jdarwin]

@TallSkinnyGuy - the slide loop will stay on the pylon better. Should solve your problem

[MattP]

Note: ML has moved from the 2 overlapping loops with the slide loop design to a 1 loop/ section meeting. Simplifies the slide loop design for boat crews not accustomed to it. Rope can only go on one way.

[LeonL]

I have no problem with the Masterline loops. They go on and off easily. My only rub with the Masterline ropes is you can't remove sections that you don't use without cutting them off. Like 15 or 22, if you start at 28.

[texas_slalom_trick]

@LeonL I'm sure if you call masterline you could have it custom ordered.

[Edbrazil]

Noting @LeonL remarks. In the Back When, some top skiers, such as Mark Crone (won Masters

once) would not have 15 and 22 on their personal towlines. Big plus is that it was unlikely

someone would borrow his line when they didn't have one.

[TallSkinnyGuy]

@scotchipman You stated that the Masterline DLX slide loop rope is just like the In Tow rope. I was just comparing the two and the Masterline retails at $130 and the In Tow at $85. That's a pretty big price difference. Anyone know the reason for that?

[A_B]

Charge whatever the market will pay!

[jdarwin]

@TallSkinnyGuy - PM sent