If a sling is made of hemp string, which has a lot of desireable qualities, (thin, strong, rigid, flexible) would untwisting of the string present a problem?

Might this rotate the pocket orientation, causing a non optimal release, or bullet orientation?

Materials that do not have this property:
Nylong rope, leather shoelace, braided materials.

Anyone else consider this as a factor in material choice?

I know this is not of historical significance, but my interest is more in ADVANCING the art, not only studying it.

This is a function of consruction rather than material. Twisted yarns are plied back on themselves to balance the tension, but will still carry residual twist. Often, humidity changes can alter the set. A poorly balanced/not relaxed yarn can twist and or kink back on itself.

You can cable a multi ply rope for even more stability. The easiet though is just to braid it. Braids are mechanically locked given a uniform twist yarn.

I agree with mgreenfield. I've always favoured slings with large torsional stiffness. Lengthwise may not be as important, but it sure makes the sling easier to handle. Maybe an ideal composite design would have a stiffer retention cord and a thin/flexible release?

Matthias

I have used hemp before and when its woven it is great. I do not know about it unwinding - but I am also wary of it fraying after lots of use.