Whats the deal with spinnaker shortage

I know the racing boats haven't taken it all to themselves, so why is it out of stock every where, especially within th UL gear manufactures. Doese the military have alock on it, and if so what are they doing with it? I so had my heart set on GG one shelter, but by the time I had the money saved up it had been/is soldout for months on end now. And now for some of us the hiking season is over enough to have to start bringing out the fall and winter shelters and gear. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I have to tell you, I never really understood what the big deal was about spinnaker fabric. First off, let me just say that I race a 42' very high performance sailboat, and have 4 spinnakers aboard, anywhere from 1500sq/ft to 1200sq/ft in size. Each one has a different fabric weight, and personally, it's nothing special. We usually completely destroy 1-2 sails per year, caused by ripping them, having them blow out, etc.

Now, is the spinnaker cloth that lightweight hikers use the same as what we use aboard boats? If so, I have to agree with Mugs, what's the deal with the "shortage?" I can tell you as a fact that if I wanted some, I could have 3000 sq/ft in my house by this afternoon, no joking at all. It's not rare, it's not in high demand, there's absolutely no shortage, and, most importantly, this is no miracle fabric. It's nylon, nothing more. It stretches, pulls, rips, and leaks, just like you'd expect nylon to. All of this goes back to my question... is the stuff used here the same as what we use aboard boats, because if it is, I completely cannot understand all the hoopla. Based on that, I kind of think it's different... it has to be, otherwise nobody would make such a big deal over it, and it would be easy to come by.

Hell, I've been looking to get a GG Squall Classic forever now, but they are unable to get spinnaker cloth... WHY??? Call North Sails, Quantum, Doyle, or any one of half a dozen other sail lofts, and buy some, of any variety or weight that you'd like. Or, go on any one of 50 different one design class sailing web pages, and buy some used cloth on the cheap.

I just don't get it... this stuff has got to be different from what we use on boats.

From what I've read (there was a very informative thread on the BPL forum a couple of months ago), I gather it was mostly a quality problem with the manufacturer. I have developed an interest in the Squall Classic (which I should have bought in the first place instead of the SMD Lunar Solo). I noticed on the Mountain Laurel Designs website last week that they have a "new 2009 spinntex" which they claim is 30% more waterproof than the old for the same weight, and they're starting to make tarps of it. I fired off an email to Gossamer Gear and got an answer from Grant that yes, they have the new spinntex (they use the same supplier as MLD) and so far tests show it's really improved and they are really pleased with it. However, they are tweaking the design of "The One" and Henry Shires is tweaking the Squall Classic, so it will be a few months before either of these is available.

I gather that the fabric MLD and GG use is not the same fabric as used in sailing, but specially adapted for use in tents--quite a bit more waterproof, for one thing. I'm sorry that I can't provide more technical info--most of that is beyond me!

EDIT: Here's the BPL thread. Read the post by Ron Bell of MLD. Note that prices are going up!

EDIT #2--The info I received from Grant at GG is now on the GG website.

From what I understood/stand it is soem "special" sail coth. I have heard Glenn from GG say that it is sail cloth. Now from my experiance of weathering a 12 inches of rain in two nights storm under a spinnshelter 3 years ago, with out even semm sealing the thing. And after reading your post I would have to say they are different spinniker materials. Hopfully they will get something up and running here shortly, Granite I love tarping it, but for the shoulder seasons I tend to dive into my SMD Lunar solo. Which is why I want to try out the GG one. Its all about weight for me now.

For the most part, spin cloths come in different weights, and strengths. Stronger=heavier for any given spin price band. So, based on the information above, what's probably occurring is that they (someone) is purchasing spin material, treating it, and selling it to GG, etc. I'd expect that the hang-up is in the treating phase of production.

Now, on to tent talk... I have a Virga, extended beak and tub floor, and I love it, really. The size is good for me alone, and the weight is perfect. But, I can get the GG Squall for the same weight, basically... and I want one! That said, I went back and looked at The One... and now I have a decision to make. Damnit GG! They're both attractive.

Also, I just read this up on GG's site:
"UPDATE: WE NOW HAVE SPINNAKER FABRIC THAT EXCEEDS OUR WATERPROOF TESTS AND WILL BEGIN PRODUCING THE SQUALL CLASSIC™ NEAR THE END OF THE YEAR. CHECK BACK SOON FOR FURTHER UPDATES. "

Same for The One, so keep an eye out.