We Broke Our Silks! Hollowblock + Aerial Fabric Destructive Test Results!
We broke our own silks - for science of course! Ever wonder what it looks like when fabric reaches its breaking point? How exactly does it “break?” Does it melt? Does it snap?
We visited the Rock Exotica facility in February 2021 to perform a destructive test on our brand new, low stretch aerial fabric and a retired 13.5” Sterling Rope Hollowblock. The Hollowblock used in this test was in service for 3+ years in “hammock mode” and tied in a 3-wrap Prusik hitch.
The MBS of our low stretch aerial fabric is 2,000 lbs. The manufacturer’s MBS of a single Sterling Rope Hollowblock is 3,147lbs. and in an aerial application they are always used in pairs.
So at what point did our aerial fabric finally “self destruct?” At 3,062 lbs. of force! Keep in mind that 2,000 lbs. typically a fatal amount of force to the human body.
You can see in the video how the fabric sheered at the lower prusik point. The Hollowblock had minimal slipping and did not slip towards the stopper knot placed at the end of the fabric. The fabric was warm to the touch around the prusik hitch, but not hot. If using another piece of fabric or soft rigging equipment, this point might have certainly been HOT to the touch or even melted causing a catastrophic failure, but since the Sterling Rope Hollowblock is engineered with Technora Fiber it is able to withstand extreme temperatures. Did you know the Sterling Rope Hollowblock was originally designed as a piece of life safety equipment used by firefighters?
In this configuration, and even with using BRAND new fabric and a USED Hollowblock, the fabric was still the weakest component of rigging (which is usually the case in most set-ups).
What did you think of this test? Comment below with your thoughts or comments on what you would like to see us break in the future!
Warning: This test was performed for educational purposes only. All equipment used during this test was retired immediately. Please do not attempt to recreate this test at home.
As always, we hope this information helps you #GetVertical with confidence! <3
They simplify the process of rigging aerial hammocks while preventing overloading of carabiners. This product is used as a friction hitch for all hammock rigging, offering significant advantages. Friction hitches leave an appropriate amount of material at the master point to be placed into the carabiner. In contrast, traditional silk rigging methods often involve tying silks directly into the carabiner, leading to overloading or off-axis loading. Such practices can create a false sense of security and may subject the carabiner to scrutiny when it fails to perform as designed.
The Sterling® HollowBlock2, a redesigned version of their bestselling friction hitch and autoblock, is now made with a stronger aramid fiber.
The 6.8 mm HollowBlock2 is constructed from 100% Technora® fiber, which enhances abrasion resistance and durability. Its gripping ability stems from its unique hollow-braid design, making it ideal for use as a prusik or Klemheist knot on ropes 7 mm or larger.
Key Benefits:
100% Technora® construction
Significant improvements in durability and performance
Retains the same functionality and grip as the original design
Note: HollowBlocks are sold in sets of two, which is the recommended configuration for aerial arts applications.
The Sterling® HollowBlock was designed by Darren Jeffrey and Sterling Rope Co.® and is proudly made in the USA.
SOLD BY THE YARD
QTY 1 = 1 YARD
This is an ideal aerial fabric for both aerial yoga and aerial dance, featuring a beautiful flow and one-way stretch. With a width of 108", it is perfectly suited for aerial yoga hammocks and provides an excellent grip width for both beginner and advanced aerialists when used for aerial dance. The fabric is made from 100% low-stretch polyester.
To order, select your desired color and enter the total amount needed in yards into the quantity box. To calculate the yardage, divide the total length required in feet by 3. It is recommended to round up to ensure you have enough fabric for your needs.
Order Example:
You need 30 feet of aerial fabric to make a 15 foot silk
30 feet / 3 = 10 yards
Enter 10 in the QTY field
Please note that, due to the custom nature of each order, processing may take 7–10 business days.