WV177RG 19 #1 January 15, 2019 Received small and large rubber bands from major distributor. (My Javelin d-bag uses both.) Small bands appear to be the same ones I've used since1990s. Large ones aren't smooth: they're textured = slightly bumpy on the inner and outer surfaces. New design? Developed for applications other than sport rigs? Any difference with regard to retention, deployment, line wear? (725 Spectra lines on my Pilot 210.) Probably a non-issue, but I'd appreciate input from folks more knowledgeable/experienced than I. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justincblount 4 #2 January 18, 2019 I've never used these on a rig, and I don't know where the design comes from, but my gut reaction is it sounds like a lame marketing idea someone had. Maybe it's supposed to reduce wear(but it might actually do the opposite), maybe they think it holds onto the lines better(for the people that don't double-wrap their stows), or maybe they're designed to break more easily for a more orderly deployment. I think the difference would be negligible in any of those cases. I can't really think of any other reasons for such a design. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betzilla 56 #3 January 18, 2019 pretty sure it's just a variation in that particular batch of rubber bands versus other batches, which has exactly zero effect on their functionality.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WV177RG 19 #4 January 18, 2019 Thank you both. I wondered about gripping--I don't double-stow--and line wear, too. Was hoping riggers might know the reason for the change. The distributor didn't advertise these weren't the usual design, so it's hard to imagine marketing drove the change. Given a choice, I'd have stuck with the smooth ones that have always worked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JVXReBornFU 0 #5 January 18, 2019 Purchase in bulk from manufacturer in United States. Keener rubber company. JVX Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justincblount 4 #6 January 19, 2019 I feel like I've held one of these rubber bands before, but I'm not completely sure. If it's what I'm thinking, I feel like the bumps are like raised circles without smoothed edges, in a brick type pattern. Definitely intentional added texture, right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WV177RG 19 #7 January 19, 2019 Appears to be intentional texturing. Just figured out pix resizing for upload. Aimed light at 2 different angles to show the bumps in relief and a more normal view. JVX: thanks for the Keener point out. Bought a pound of these from Paragear to share with my wife and friends. (I'm always giving them away.) Will contact Keener if I learn these cause line wear or retention issues. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justincblount 4 #8 January 20, 2019 Hmm, not what I was thinking of. Might be nothing at all, like betzilla was saying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites