Catahoula Tarred, Braided, Nylon Twine, 96 (1 lb)

This review is for Catahoula Manufacturing #18 Tarred Braided Bank Line, 1/4 lb Spool AND Catahoula Manufacturing no. 36 Tarred Twisted Bank Line, 1 Pound Spool (Approx. 470 feet)Twisted Bank Line-TBLKept hearing about this on YouTube and I figured I would give it a try.The quality of this line is top notch. The tarring is even and smooth, not too sticky but you know you have a tarred line. The tar has has not rubbed off so I am not worried about getting tar on items I am using this line on.I went with the #18 (~165 ft/lbs tensile strength) and 1/4 spool to try it out. Liked it so much that I went ahead and ordered the #36, ~350 ft/lb tensile strength, 470 ft, 1-pound spool. Love this stuff.It is stiff for sure when compared to standard untreated nylon line. I found that the tar creates friction that can make slip/sliding knots harder to move and/or tighten. When friction/pressure knots are used, this line will hold!Since it is braided line, it does not unravel when cut and this makes tying knots easier. Separating this line to get to the individual strands of nylon line would be more difficult with this braided line. They sell the same line strength in a twisted version which unravels easily compared to braided.It has the smell of tar but it is not irritating to me and I hate the smell of tar, gets me nauseous.I like 550 cord but it is hard to find actual 550 cord. Most are labeled as such but when you unravel the rope, it does not twist cleanly, the nylon outer sleeve is loose. This makes tying knots more difficult and I would think makes knots weaker. Also, the relative bulk of 550 cord makes the thinner TBL more attractive. For tying tarp/tent guy or ridge lines, you do not need 550 cord strength. The #18 is more than enough and you can carry 3-4 times the amount of line for the same weight.This does not completely replace 550 cord, but it is now my go to for securing things.This stuff is tough! It also resists abrasion. I used this (#36 actually) to hang my steel target (10" gong, AR500 steel) and it worked all day. no problems. So much for the heavy duty chains.I posted a pic of the basic nomenclature of the various bank lines. This info was derived from the catahoula website.

tl;dr Toughest cordage for its size I've ever seen, better off cutting it with a pair of wire cutters than a knife or (cough) scissors. And like wire, it's stiff, and tends to stay where its put (though no quite the same as wire). Sticks to itself well, meaning even simple knots don't come loose without some work. Does not stretch or compress at all, and is dense (heavy for its size). This is basically the opposite of paracord in every way, which is a GOOD thing.I got this stuff specifically because it's not paracord. Up to this point, most of my cordage was paracord, and I found myself looking for something different. When I was a kid I lived on a farm and we didn't have paracord, but we had all manner of different twines and ropes and did just fine with it. I got into paracord when I was in the military and afterward, especially when it became popular with all the DIY and survivalist types (more ideas and options to buy, etc.), but I've never been completely satisfied that paracord can solve every cordage problem. Enter "bank line", or tarred twine, which comes in various weights as we as braided and non-braided (which is simply called "tarred twine", nothing on the label about being non-braided). The is a review of the braided stuff, I wrote one for the non-braided separately.I could rave about the awesome properties of this twine for pages, and list dings I can complain about, but you don't care about that. Just get you some. #36 seems about right for most applications (not huge but definitely enough heft for almost every job). I might order some of the very small stuff for fun but if I only had one roll of cordage left to survive with, this would be it. Am I going to throw out all my various paracord? Nope. It has some great uses that it's perfect for. But this stuff is the roll you toss in the toolbox or go-bag when you have no idea what to expect from the day. I used to do that with paracord but found it lacking in some situations. This bank line will never let you down.

I got the #36 (320-lb test) line, in the 1/4-lb bundle (138 feet of line). There are many other options available.This is recommended by many bushcrafters due to 3 main things:1) strength vs. line thickness vs. bundle weight - good for MANY uses around camp.2) The bundle is small enough to easily find a place for, relatively light-weight, and supplies ALOT of line!3) It's a braided nylon line, with a light tar covering - strong, waterproof; stays TIGHT when tied onto paracord.

It is #36 bankline. Some of the handiest tar coated nylon twine money can buy. You can do so much with it. Tie up plants, use it for bushcrafting, trot lines, drop lines, nets ..... you name it. I am familiar with The Catahoula company which is located easy driving distance from me and is a treat to visit the place. It sits right on the Black River and has been famous locally for all of your commercial fishing needs for decades. They make beautiful nets and traps by hand as well. I use to love to go there and browse and watch the ladies knitting nets...man are they fast.

Love this bank-line!! You can use this stuff for just about everything. Para-cord still has plenty of uses, but with the bank-line you don't have to worry about melting the ends every time you make a cut. You can get the twisted kind, but this braided stuff is the bees knees. I have a couple rolls of the #36 and the #60. The #36 is perfect for your finer tasks, like snares, trot-lines or general lashing. The #60 is closer to the diameter of standard mil-spec 550 cord and has a tensile strength rating of 500 lbs. Do yourself a favor and try some of this bank-line.

Quite expensive. Look for better options. I have found after my purchase.

Great strong cord, I needed to hang some garden ornaments, many thanks

Came on time! 'Tha Box it came in Was on Tha 'Small Size' & was,(Tha sides Ov, Tha Box to Lid!) Bulging Open! (No Damage Thoe!) I've tried it out &, U Can use Eny Type Ov, knot with it!! 'Because Ov, it's Braided/Tared Techture 'Very Strong &, Waterproof!!' 'Will buy Again if &, wen, I need sume more!!' Michael🤗.

It’s tough cordage no more need be said

The only issue I had was finding the beginning of the line. Once found I cannot fault it. Strong, easy to tie and useful for so many things.