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• 10 years of sampling 550 paracord, 650 paraline, and parachute cord from other manufacturers has convinced us to remain with our original USA manufacturer who produces very high quality product. We could use and sell imported parachute cord for half-price but the quality is questionable and we refuse to sell junk! Repeat customers know they get the same quality every time they order- not product from whoever gave us the best deal! The paracord you buy from us is the same we use to make our own training quipment and we are very critical on quality!
THE PARACORD BLOG
• Feb. 2012: You must be kidding! Did you know that ~ 4 years ago there were about 6 web based companies selling 550 paracord? Now there must be 200+! I get a chuckle out of the creative names that have popped up- I'm sure there must be a "ParacordMonkey.com" somewhere or coming soon! Late last year I saw a company selling "Made in USA 550 Paracord" for something like $5.79/ 100 feet with free shipping and I almost fell over. So many new companies are fighting for that market now it is amusing to watch. We know they are actually losing money (sort of the "loss leader" concept in Marketing 101) to gain market share. I'm making the assumption that they are buying the cheapest stuff they can find also- have to be! I wonder how many of these companies will be around in the future? I know that the original 6 will still be because their business is not built around just paracord. It will be interesting to watch!
• Jan. 2012: Unbelievable! We have been selling paracord since 2004 and if you would have told me 4 years ago that a "paracord craze" would occur; I would have thought you were nuts! However, I am always amazed at the cool, productive items that people are making with 550 cord: everything from bow pulls, rifle slings, water bottle holders, weapons, belts, duck lines, jewelry, school/ team color items, and of course, survival bracelets (we make knife handles with ours- that is our main business). I am also amazed at the number of companies that have started to make "made in the USA 550 type cord". 6 years ago there were about 3 companies making 550 paracord and now at least 15 are spitting it out. Question for you- do you think it's all the same? How hard can it be; right? Let me be the first to tell you it's not all the same. Have you ever bought 550 cord and found it to be flat (like it has creases on 2 sides), "crinkly" (like 1 or more strands are twisted up inside the jacket), off colored, or even dirty? Well, I see it all the time. And guess what?- we don't sell it. When we started the knife business in 2002, I looked for the best I could find and we have stuck with the same company since then- even through their price hike. Could have bought it much cheaper then and now, but I still want the best and most consistent paracord for our knives, and our customers, who value quality over price. Thanks, John.
• Hanks vs. 100' spools debate: So which is better . .? Same paracord, right? Spools are nice if you want to store them in a camp kit/ bug out bag for a future need, BUT, if you are making jewelry, the hanks are preferable since they are relaxed and do not have any memory associated with being tightly coiled on a core. We spool our paracord off of large rolls in advance of your order. The coils are then shipped to you already relaxed and ready for braiding or jewelry making! We choose to only carry hanks since this accommodates the widest customer use and even most campers prefer the hanks since they have no bulk and can be stashed, stuffed, or hung anywhere.
• March 2011 Update: Camo's galore! More camo's to choose from for your projects now with the addition of 5 new patterns. There are subtle differences in a few but this will really allow you to tweak your designs. Also, new Reflective Neon Pink to go along with our other pinks so popular for those of you making items for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure ® events. We wish you much success as unfortunately, we have several friends who have been / are dealing with breast cancer and this is a most worthy cause.
• October 2010 Update: We see many repeat 550 paracord customers now and we also see customers that originally ordered 100' hanks now ordering rolls. Thank You! After talking with many of you by phone, we appreciate the positive comments about the quality and customer service. We are getting caught of guard now by large orders that wipe out inventory but we are trying to adjust by ordering larger amounts. Our lead time from the manufacturer is about 5 weeks so you can see it's difficult to predict what we need that far in advance. We are going to keep adding new colors and patterns with each new order. If you are making items for resale, let us know what you have to offer; we may be able to help you to promote your products. Send your photos or information to :
• June 2010 Update: We finally have the new colors on the site! Check out the picture of the reflective paracord. Can you imagine how cool your wrist bands, neck jewelry, and key fobs are going to look with the 3M reflective paracord! You have GOT to have the Reflective Neon Orange paracord in your survival kit; it is the ultimate in emergency visibility- DAY or NIGHT! Great for tent, lean-to, and campsite setup to keep campers from tripping on or tearing up rigging. Also, check out the Neon Orange Camo- wild!
• November 2009 Update: As of this month, we have specified all of our incoming rolls of 550 & 650 Paracord to be continuous lengths. Previously, they may have had 2 sections to a roll (this is the way most rolls are sold everywhere). To accommodate our customers who are braiding or hoisting/ rigging with very long section lengths, this will make your roll usage more efficient. The best part is: NO PRICE INCREASE! Be patient with us as we clear out remaining inventory during the transition. If you really need your roll continuous, just specify in the comments section during ordering and we will try to accommodate you during the transition period.
• March 2009 Update: We occasionally get the question "Do we sell military surplus paracord?". The answer is "NO". ALL of our paracord and paraline is NEW. Occasionally you can find surplus MIL SPEC paracord that has been sold by the government because the expiration date has passed. Typically this paracord will be black, olive drab, or white in color and may or may not be marked as surplus and probably will not be marked as expired. Usually it is sold by the same companies that sell Vietnam era military surplus items such as backpacks and canteens. It is sometimes cut into 50 or 100 foot hanks for resale and may have an "inchworm" look to it because of exposure to moisture/ age.
• Dec. 2008 Update: Dear Friends, I just returned from a local gun show. On many tables I found "MIL Spec 550 Paracord" for sale. Usually about $7 to $10 for 100 feet. It was ALL low quality junk! Thin in appearance and feel, nits in the weave, and off-colored. I don't know how the manufacturers get away with their claims, but it happens. Try a hank of our paracord and you will see and feel the difference. We buy direct from the manufacturer and talk directly to the production manager. Our manufacturer is a major supplier to the US Military and companies that actually MAKE parachutes. There is a difference! John / TAK, Inc.
Application Tips
On the Left : 550 Type 3 Paracord (black sheath)
On the Right : 650 Nylon Paraline (red sheath)
The outer sheath is the same. The inner strands change between 550 paracord and 650 paraline. Why? Some makers of jewelry and zipper pulls prefer the fluffy core of 650 paraline. It has more "body". Now, in reality, if you are making items such as wrist bands, key fobs, or knife handles, specifically where the cord is pulled tight, you will never be able to tell the difference. You can only notice the difference when the cord is used loosely such as in a pendant worn around the neck.
Most makers are using 550 paracord for fobs, monkey fists, and wrist bands. The 550 paracord strength and fine stranding for emergency use is a big plus. For this reason, most of the new colors we are stocking will be of the 550 type.
USA made by a certified supplier for the United States Government.
We DO NOT sell military surplus cord that has been sitting in a warehouse for 20 years shriveling up and changing color.
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• We carry the 2 most versatile types of paracord and paraline used for non-critical applications (non-critical = not jumping out of a plane):
• 650 Nylon Paraline is used on most TAK Training Knives. It can also be used for hiking, camping duties, lanyards, shoe & boot laces, zipper pulls, or key fobs. The fluffy cores melt together easier and cleaner than the 550 paracord so if you are making the above items, this is a good choice. Melt the ends with a standard lighter. If you want to eliminate the "ball" at the end, keep a dish of water close and dip your fingers in it before "pulling" the ends straight while it is cooling.
• 550 Type 3 Paracord is preferred for survival kits primarily due to the tightly wound 7 strands and higher strength rating. They are more suited for making fishing lures & lines, emergency first aid, creating lean-tos, hoisting food in trees at camp sites, repairing tears or rips. Although you can seal the ends with a standard lighter, it will create a "head" of melted material. To get a cleaner end, use a micro torch set to fine flame to quickly sear the paracord.
- - - The following statements concerning MIL-C-5040 vs. 550 Type 3 are claimed ONLY FOR OUR MANUFACTURER ! - - -
• The difference between 550 Type 3 and MIL-C-5040 Type 3 is the testing. 550 Type 3 is spot checked for manufacturing quality for non-critical applications. MIL-C-5040 Type 3 undergoes strict testing and record keeping on each batch and is used for critical applications.
• Other than the testing and the internal tracer, there is no difference between 550 Type 3 Paracord and MIL-C-5040 Type 3 Paracord.
• The outer sheath is the same material for both 450, 550, 650 and Mil-spec versions. If you plan on de-coring the paracord, it doesn't make any difference which type you use.
Again, these statements are claimed ONLY FOR OUR MANUFACTURER. We DO NOT shop around for the best price or for whoever has cord on the shelf when we run out. We have been using the same manufacturer for 8 years and this is one of the reasons why - HIGH QUALITY!
• Bug Out Bag Tip: So what color Paracord do you put in your bug out bag? Answer: You should carry 2 colors of the 550 type.
First Color: you want a Paracord that will blend in with the background in case you are trying to hide food high in a tree, make a trip line, or rig a discreet lean-to (in other words- you don't want to be found). One of the greenish camouflage colors or Olive Drab works well in most cases.
Second Color: you want a Paracord that will get someone's attention in case of an emergency where you want to be found or if you are just camping and don't want the family "clothslining" themselves every time they walk thought the campsite. Reflective Neon Orange or Reflective Neon Yellow is ideal for this application.
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