EN 
Español
get a free quote
1. What is a shock cord?
A shock cord (sometimes called "elastic cord" or "elastic rope") is a lightweight elastic rope made of one or more rubber or latex strands covered by a woven textile sheath. Shock cords are designed primarily to provide gentle elasticity, keep tension, or absorb small amounts of movement rather than to restrain heavy loads. They are common in sailing (to keep sails or lines tidy), tent and tarp applications, apparel (waistbands), camping gear, and lightweight fastening tasks.
Typical construction and characteristics
Shock cords usually have a thin diameter (commonly 1–8 mm) with a soft, flexible sheath. The core is natural rubber or synthetic elastic strands; many are designed to stretch easily at low loads and return quickly to length. They often lack heavy-duty end fittings and are tied or threaded into hardware rather than used with large metal hooks.
2. What is a bungee cord?
A bungee cord typically refers to a heavier elastic cord intended for load-securing and impact absorption. Bungees usually contain multiple rubber strands encased in a thicker braided or knitted nylon sheath and commonly include hardware such as metal S-hooks, carabiner-style ends, or molded plastic hooks. They’re used for towing/tying loads, cargo nets, exercise bands (heavier types), and anywhere a stronger, more durable elastic is needed.
Typical construction and characteristics
Bungee cords are larger in diameter (often 6–20 mm or more), built to resist abrasion and UV better than light shock cord, and are intended for repeated stretching under moderate to high tension. The presence of sturdy end fittings means they’re often used as removable tie-downs or shock absorbers where quick attachment/release is needed.
3. Key differences — quick overview
Below are the core differences you’ll notice when choosing between the two: construction and hardware, intended load and stretch behavior, durability and environmental resistance, and typical applications.
| Feature | Shock Cord | Bungee Cord |
| Core material | Single or few rubber/latex strands | Multiple rubber strands for higher energy absorption |
| Sheath | Thin woven sheath, flexible | Thicker braided/knitted sheath, more abrasion resistant |
| Typical hardware | Usually none; tied, looped, or threaded | Often fitted with metal or plastic hooks |
| Intended load | Light loads, tensioning, retention | Light to medium loads; some heavy-duty variants exist |
| Typical uses | Tents, sails, apparel, shock dampening for small gear | Cargo tie-downs, sports equipment, heavy fastening, trailer nets |
| Durability & environment | Less UV/abrasion resistant; faster aging if outdoors | Better abrasion and UV resistance (depending on sheath); longer life under heavy use |
4. How to choose — practical selection guide
Deciding which is right comes down to the job, the expected load, attachment style, and safety needs. Below are practical rules you can apply.
- If you need a lightweight, flexible elastic for tents, tarps, sails, or clothing, choose shock cord.
- If you need a removable tie-down with hooks for securing cargo, larger straps with hooks, or greater abrasion resistance, choose a bungee cord—but verify the cord's rated use.
- For any load-bearing or safety-critical application, prefer rated tie-downs or straps (ratchet straps, webbing) over elastic cords, and use bungee/shock cords only for secondary or non-critical retention.
- Match cord diameter and sheath type to environment: thicker braided sheaths resist abrasion and outdoor exposure better than thin textile covers.
5. Safety and maintenance (what every user should know)
Elastic cords can fail suddenly and recoil dangerously. Follow these safety and maintenance practices for both shock cords and bungees.
Inspection checklist
- Look for frayed sheath, exposed core, glazing (hardened rubber), or cracking—replace if any is present.
- Check hooks and fittings for deformation, rust, or loose crimps on bungee cords.
- Avoid cords that have lost elasticity or feel brittle—rubber degrades with heat, ozone, and sunlight.
Safe usage tips
- Never stretch a cord beyond the manufacturer's recommended use; overstretching accelerates failure.
- Don’t anchor elastic cords to fragile objects that can pull loose and snap back.
- Wear eye protection when working with long bungees under tension—recoil can cause serious injury.
- Store cords out of direct sunlight and away from heat/chemicals; residual tension can be relieved by coiling rather than knotting.
6. Practical examples — choose the right cord for common jobs
Short, practical mappings to help you pick fast:
- Keep a tarp snug on a backpack while hiking → shock cord (thin, lightweight, easy to tie).
- Secure a loose load in a pickup for short trips → heavy bungee cords with sturdy hooks (or better: ratchet straps for heavy/long trips).
- Organize sailboat lines and hold down small gear on deck → shock cord (marine grade shock cord is available with better UV resistance).
- Temporary exercise resistance or plyometrics → use purpose-made exercise bands rather than generic bungee cords.
7. Quick buying checklist
When buying, use this short checklist so the cord you get suits the job.
- Confirm intended application — is it tensioning, load-securing, or shock absorption?
- Check whether a rated working load or safety information is provided—prefer rated hardware for critical uses.
- Choose a sheath with UV/abrasion resistance for outdoor use.
- Replace annually or sooner if used outdoors frequently or exposed to heavy stress.
In short: shock cords are for light, flexible, and often permanent or semi-permanent elastic applications (tents, sails, clothing), while bungee cords are bulkier, often hook-fitted, and intended for removable tie-downs or heavier shock absorption. For any critical load or safety application, prefer rated straps or hardware rather than relying solely on elastic cords.
