Paradigm MK2W26AM

Determines the webbing's own MBS. This device, the Blue Whale, is based on the device used by the ISA for testing the strength of slackline webbings. We have created our own version that has a slightly different anchor method for the tail and modified anchor hole to fit our test machine. The device has an 80mm drum that the webbing wraps around and is ultimately anchored at the back of the device with a short sewn loop.

The Blue Whale is anchored to the test bed directly, with each end in opposite orientations. The webbing wraps around each side in opposite ways to allow for even stretching across the width and thickness of the webbing to prevent uneven loading caused by bent samples. Since the webbing is ultimately anchored with a short sewn loop, the entire sample is able to be tested as there are no tails exiting the sample space.

• Sample Length - 2.0 m (6.5 ft)

• Pull Rate - ~350 mm per minute

Determines strength retention in the 6-series Alpine Weblock.

Each AWL6 is anchored to the test bed with a Van Beast Shackle (usually 1/2" or 5/8", depending on the webbing strength). The webbing sample is installed in each weblock in the same orientation on both ends with a minimal tail (75 - 150 mm (3 - 6 inches)). The sample is then pulled to failure.

• Sample Length - 1.5 m (5 ft)

• Pull Rate - ~350 mm per minute

Determines strength retention in the MightyLock line-locker ring.

We have a Mightylock installation at both ends of the webbing. The webbing is wrapped around the MightyLock in the Right-Side-Up configuration and anchored to either a 5/8" Van Beast Shackle (if it's a 25mm/1-inch webbing) or a 1/2" Van Beast Shackle (if it's a 19-20mm webbing). The tails are kept to a minimum on both ends (75 - 150mm (3 - 6 inches)).

• Sample Length - 1.5 m (5 ft)

• Pull Rate - ~350 mm per minute

Determines strength retention in a sewn loop. The particular pattern used for sewing is indicated on each test.

Each sewn loop is done in an opposite direction in order to take out the possibility of failure by uneven loading across the width and thickness of the webbing. Each sewn loop is directly attached to the clevis pins on our test machine, with a diameter of pin diameter of 19mm.

These tests are often used as our elongation tests as well, since they experience the least change in length within the anchoring method.

• Webbing starting length - 1.5 m (5 ft)

• Pull Rate - ~350 mm per minute