Ed,

These days, prices are coming down to downright reasonable for cored lines, which I have and recommend due to their ability to be tapered (weight savings), and the outer covering can almost be customized to your grip needs. The tapering also allows you to use smaller blocks, saving additional weight.



I replaced my mainsheet (I-20) with tapered spectra core from www.layline.com (I think that's the site). With the new blocks, I saved substantial weight on the mainsail. I chose a covering that does not absorb water, and was relatively easy to grab (course, I still use Obrien waterski gloves for padding). We were impressed enough by the weight savings to replace the spinnaker sheets as well with a similar cord and tapered it, too. It ain't cheap, so if you're a guy who parks his boat on the beach and ignores it for the weeks between sailing, stay with the heavy stuff. If you want to get out and race, and take pretty good care of your boat, drop the extra $$ for the "good stuff". I hate to admit it (being the tightwad that I am), but it does make things a little easier.



Just some thoughts.