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• Many years of sampling paracord, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
Application Tips
• 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 TAK Training Knives since the fluffy core creates a smoother, fuller wrap. It can also be used for hiking, camping duties, lanyards, shoe & boot laces, zipper pulls, or key fobs. The fluffy cores melt together much easier and cleaner than the 550 paracord so if you are making the above items, this is a better 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 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, 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.
• 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. Neon orange is the ideal color for this application.
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