Frequently Asked Questions If you have a question you'd like to see here, please email us.

General Rope Questions

*What is the difference between all the different ropes?

~The yacht braid rope has a braided core- which gives it a heavier feel, makes it stronger, and it's also spliceable because of this.

~Accessory cord's outer shell looks like yacht braid, but has a multifiliment core like diamond braid. It's not spliceable, but is very durable.

~The flat braid doesn't have a core, and lays flat. It's basically yacht braid without the core.

~The diamond braid, while generally stiffer, has a 'multifiliment' core. 'Multifiliment' means the core is made up of a bunch of strands of smaller rope that aren't braided together.

~Derby rope is called a 'solid braid' rope. There is no core- it's just one solid braid of rope.

~The 5/16" and the 1/4" diamond braid are made from the same fiber as the derby rope- making perfectly matching halter and lead sets.

Not all rope is created equal!      

      We've tested our rope extensively on our own horses. The rope we carry is the best of the best. Don't be fooled by cheap products that look similar, but cost less. That ol' saying is true- 'You get what you pay for.' Our products will last and last, and still look new!

Samson Yacht Braid

*Why do you use Samson Rope to make your products?

          We have carried a different brand of yacht braid in the past. While it was a good rope, it sure didn't compare to the samples of Samson we received. While Samson is more expensive, it'll really pay off in the long run. Samson rope is about 25% stronger than the other brand we carried, it's also bigger- closer to 5/8", heavier, and much less likely to snag. It's also used by quite a few of the natural horseman.

*Is the back 1/4" yacht braid Samson too?

      Hmmm, well kinda. While our 1/2" and our white 1/4" are Samson's 2N1 Stable Braid (marked with the blue tracer), the black is Samson's Accessory Cord. We use to use Samson XLS (3 bars of white), but it's not as tight of weave (stiff) as we'd like. We do still stock the XLS for our progress strings, and would be happy to make a halter from it if requested.

*Why don't you use black 1/4" 2N1 instead of the Accessory?

      For some reason, Samson doesn't make the black 2N1 in the 1/4" size. Currently, the smallest they make is a 5/16".

*How strong is the Samson Rope?

      The 1/2" is tested to 10,500 pounds. The 1/4" white 2N1 is tested to 2,300, and the 1/4" black is tested to 2,200 pounds.

*Why have some of the prices on the Samson Rope products changed?

      Unfortunately, Samson raised prices on their products, on three different occasions in a years time. Our prices will rise slightly after the begining of the year to cover the last increase. The price of oil affects everything :(

Samson Flat Braid

*What is Flat Braid?

      Our flat braid rope is also made by Samson. It's basically yacht braid without the core. It makes great, comfortable tack for you and your horse!

Diamond Braid Rope

*Which is better, a stiff diamond braid, or a softer one?

      It really depends on personal preferance. The stiffer rope has less give, which makes it less forgiving. It also holds up to abuse a bit better. If you have a thin skinned horse, we would recommend the softer diamond braid.

*Why don't you use the 3/8" diamond braid to make halters anymore?

      While that company makes beautiful rope, unfortunately the quality of rope has declined over the years. Now it tends to have quite a bit of stretch to it. You can actually hear it squeak when you tug on it!

      You'd really only notice this stretch if you had a puller- which would stretch the halter out of shape. While it's a good rope for most horses and uses, it's not the top quality we want.

*How strong is your Diamond Braid Rope?

      Our 5/16" diamond braid rope is tested to about 1,550. The 'old' brand of 1/4" is tested to 600 (RWB), while the new 1/4" is tested to 1,000.

*Aren't all diamond braids and derby ropes the same?

      Actually, they aren't. Alot of companies are importing their rope or their rope halters/leads from other countries. They tend to have alot of stretch to them, are prone to fading in the sun, and have really loose knots. Once these knots tighten up (with use), you'll have a halter big enough to fit on a draft ;) So while they may look the same- they sure don't wear the same.

*Where is your rope made?

      All of our rope is made in the good ol' USA. Yes, it may be more expensive to buy, but it's a much better quality. Also, equally important, is keeping jobs in America.

Leather
*Do you make your own leather products?

      No, we don't. All of our leather products, from slobber straps to poppers are made by Weaver. We chose Weaver because of their high quality products, and they're also right here in the USA.

Misc Products

*How are the training sticks shipped?

      We use mailing tubes to ship these items. For more than 2, we have a bit larger box. We've seen training sticks shipped in bags, but would really rather have them well protected while enroute to you.

Shipping
*Do you ship UPS, Prioirity Mail or Fedex?

      We use both UPS and Priority Mail. Regular orders are sent 2-3 day priority mail. Orders that qualify for free shipping are shipped either UPS or priority mail, depending on the size of the order.

*How long before my order's shipped?

      Our shipping days are Tuesday's and Fridays. We ship all orders as quickly as possible- generally within a couple business days of receiving an order.

*How will I know when my order's shipped?
      Orders are shipped Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders are generally shipped USPS Priority Mail (2-3 day). You'll receive an email if your order is shipped on a different day. All orders shipped via UPS will be emailed a tracking number by us.

"The thief comes not, but to kill and to steal and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10

Sunset Halters is not responsible for misuse of products.