I made a special retrieval line for a befriended F16 sailor (in 2004). I spliced a plain 4 mm dyneema line (rough outer core) to a D12 line. The D12 was only running along the spi (about 6 mtr. in total) and the plain dyneema made up the rest of the halyard line. This way you have excellent grip in the halyard cleat and when hoisting the spi, while still preventing damage in the spi itself. I can recommend this setup. I think that befriended crew is still using it and it happy with it. I had planned to do the same but As said earlier I have no problems with burn marks when using the plain dyneema line so I just forgot about it.

I still have the D12 line. I can take a picture of it and even send you a piece of it if you want.

More later. now I have some work to do (and tomorrow as well)

Here some links to D12 line :

http://www.layline.com/llf/llpages/htmlp3/page3.htm

http://www.sailingservices.com/running_rig/rope_marlw_exceld12.htm

http://chandlery.yachtinguniverse.com/product.php/721/0/

The main difference between plain dyneema and D12 is that D12 doesn't use the outer mantle that plain dyneema uses. The fibres are UV and abbression protect by a new clear coating. Nearly always the D12 is woven differently as well. It is not rod like but woven like a tube. This makes it very flexible indeed and easy to splice onto other lines or itself.

It does wear down quicker though. It can become furry after significant use and weathering.

Wouter