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Paracord and 550 cord have gained popularity in recent years for their tensile strength and versatility. They’re widely used in a wide range of fields, including crafting, outdoor recreation, the military, and emergency preparedness.
While it may sound obvious, some people still find themselves wondering if paracord and 550 cords are different. It’s important to understand their differences and similarities to ensure you choose the right type for your specific needs.
This article will explain in greater detail the differences between the two. In addition, we’ll share our suggestions for the best paracord manufacturer and helpful tips for choosing the right cord for your needs.
Is There a Difference Between 550 Cord and Paracord?
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The short answer is that they’re essentially the same thing. Paracord is a general term for different types of paracord, with 550 cord being a specific kind of paracord.
Paracord, which stands for parachute cord, has its origins in the U.S. military. The original paracord (called mil-spec paracord) is a specific type of American-made nylon rope that was designed for the parachute suspension lines of American paratroopers during WWII. After landing, the paratroopers would normally cut a piece of the paracord and use it for all types of applications.
Paracord shouldn’t be mistaken for traditional ropes either. Unlike a traditional rope, paracord consists of a braided outer sheath that envelops several inner strands. The outer sheath is typically made of high-quality nylon, which is valued for its durability, strength, and ability to resist abrasion and rot.
Every paracord manufacturer may have their own variations of paracord. But in general, paracord is classified based on its minimum breaking strength and other unique features (e.g., reflective paracord and fire-starting paracord).
These are the most common types of commercial paracord:
Type I
Type I paracord can withstand a minimum of 95 pounds of static weight or tension before it fails. The cord is usually 1.75 millimeters (0.07 inches) thick, with a single yarn inside its outer sheath. While it’s not as thick as the succeeding paracord types, it’s still a decent utility cord that’s often used in accessories and jewelry making.
If you need something thinner than Type I paracord, many manufacturers offer nano cord, micro cord, and micro 90 cord. These cords can hold 95 to 100 pounds of static weight.
Type II
Type II paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 400 pounds and 4 to 7 core strands. Type IIA is different because it has no core. It also has a lower minimum breaking strength of 225 pounds.
Type III
The paracord you know is most likely referring to the Type III paracord, also known as the 550 paracord. Its 4-millimeter cord is made up of at least seven inner strands and has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This is suitable for a wide range of applications and outdoor activities, including camping and hiking.
Type IV
Type IV paracord offers greater strength, making it suitable for most heavy-duty applications. At a minimum, it can withstand 750 pounds of load or tension. Its thicker cord (5 millimeters) consists of 11 to 13 inner strands.
A Closer Look at 550 Paracord
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As mentioned earlier, Type III paracord is widely known as 550 paracord. It’s the most popular type of paracord because it has a good balance of strength and durability.
Don’t confuse 550 paracord with mil-spec parachute cord (MIL-C-5040 Paracord), though. Mil-spec parachute cord is used for highly demanding tasks because of its great minimum breaking strength of 750 pounds (roughly 340 kilograms). It’s manufactured and tested to be in strict compliance with the military specifications outlined in MIL-C-5040H.
The outer sheath of 550 paracord (Type III) is made of braided nylon, which typically consists of 7 to 9 inner strands. Each of these strands is composed of 2 to 3 twisted nylon yarns. The combined strength of the outer sheath and strands gives 550 paracord its minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (roughly 249 kilograms) and safe working load of 110 pounds (roughly 49 kilograms).
550 paracord is a favorite general-purpose paracord among many individuals, including outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, survivalists, do-it-yourselfers, and military personnel. You can use it as it is or remove the strands to use them individually for different purposes.
Below are just a few examples of what you can do with 550 parachute cords:
- You can use it to increase grip by wrapping it around the handles of your tools or sports equipment.
- You can use it to secure your equipment during transportation.
- If you don’t have a strap or rope for towing your boat, you can use a 550 cord as a substitute.
- It’s the perfect material for making accessories, such as bag charms, bracelets, lanyards, necklaces, and pet collars and leashes.
- You can separate the inner strands to use them as fishing lines, sewing threads, and other applications.
- You can use it to create a splint to support or immobilize any part of your body that’s injured or has a broken bone.
- If help is unavailable and you’re bleeding uncontrollably, 550 paracord can be an improvised tourniquet.
- You can also use it to tie the rainfly or walls of your tent to the ground.
- For sports and fitness, you can use 550 cord to create an agility ladder, an obstacle course, a jump rope, or resistance bands.
How to Select the Right Paracord Braided Rope for Your Needs
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There’s no shortage of paracord on the market, which is a good thing. The downside is that there are some brands and manufacturers that pass off their paracord products as genuine paracord or made with the same standards as certified mil-spec parachute cords.
When shopping for paracord products, keep the following things in mind:
Do Your Research
Even if you’re just buying a single piece of paracord, it’s important to do thorough research. Check online reviews on e-commerce websites, online forums, and blog reviews. Ask for referrals from trusted sources to ensure you’re getting quality paracord from a reputable brand.
Know the Intended Use
If you’re going to sell paracord, it’s important to have a good grasp of who your customers are. For instance, people who spend most of their time camping or hiking would benefit from 550 cord or other cords with a higher strength rating. Those who love fishing can use nano paracord as a fishing line or for creating traps.
Check for the Core and Outer Sheath Construction
Paracord is unique for two reasons: First, it’s made of high-grade nylon. Second, it’s a type of kernmantle rope.
So, genuine paracord should have a braided outer sheath with multiple strands or yarns inside it. Certified military-grade paracord typically has a Colored ID Marker Strand that the U.S. military assigns to the cord’s manufacturer for easy identification.
Consider the Length and Other Unique Features
Brands offer paracord in different lengths, such as 50 feet and 100 feet. But if you buy directly from a manufacturer, you have the option to customize the length and other features of the paracord.
The longer the length, the more versatile the paracord. However, keep in mind that it also means that it may withstand less weight or tension.
Exploring the Best Paracord Manufacturer with Great Customer Service
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Choosing reputable brands or manufacturers of high-quality paracord is essential, especially for business owners (perhaps like you). Through careful research and with the help of industry experts, this process can be easy. If you’re looking for suggestions, here’s ours—Baiyuheng Outdoors.
About Baiyuheng Outdoors
Established in 2010, Baiyuheng Outdoors is a professional manufacturer based in China. The company offers multiple services and products for outdoor, camping, and survival use. Aside from paracord, they also develop and manufacture dry bags, EDC tools, fire starters, outdoor cooking utensils, ropes, survival cards, and many more.
Best Paracord Product
Source: Baiyuheng Outdoors
One of Baiyuheng Outdoors most sought-after paracords is the Bengku 550 Paracord. As its name indicates, it can withstand a minimum of 550 pounds of static weight before it breaks. The cord is 4 millimeters thick with a 7-strand inner core. It’s available in multiple colors and lengths to fit your requirements.
The Benefits of Choosing Baiyuheng Outdoors
Baiyuheng Outdoors generally has a good industry reputation. Here are a few reasons why:
- Their customer representatives are helpful and responsive.
- They can send you samples and photos of your order—free of charge!
- For your convenience, they can ship your order directly to your doorstep.
- They have a wide selection of products, which you can customize according to your requirements.
- They have a low minimum order requirement.
Conclusion
To sum it up, 550 cord (Type III) is simply a type of paracord. There’s no difference between the two.
550 cord is the most widely known and used paracord because it perfectly combines durability, strength, and versatility. So, chances are people are referring to a 550 cord when they mention the word “paracord.”
If you’re a business owner looking for a new paracord manufacturer, Baiyuheng Outdoors is a great option. But, of course, we highly encourage you to do your own research to find the right supplier of paracord products for your needs.
