These sleeves, made from Nomex^®, give additional heat protection to nylon-strap shock cords that are often used in large high power rockets. It does this two ways. First, the extra layer of cloth insulates the shock cord like a blanket. And second, Nomex is heat resistant and does not burn easily. Nomex is used in fireman's jackets because of this heat resistant property.

To use the shock cord protector, simply slide it over the nylon strap shock cord until it covers as much of the shock cord anchor as possible. The shock cord protector will stay attached to the shock cord for the entire flight.

After the flight, it may be a little sooty and have one or two small pin holes from the ejection charge, but it is completely resusable. If it gets too dingy or dirty looking, just rinse it off in water and allow it to dry!

It is possible to use the same shock cord protector in several different rockets, but for added convenience, you may desire to get each rocket its own Nomex shock cord protector. Kinda makes sense, doesn't it?

Made from 7 oz. heavy-duty, high-visibility orange colored cloth on the Madcow version, and 6 oz. of black nomex cloth for Sunward's longer shock cord. The construction of the shock cord protectors are entirely of Nomex, including the surging thread around the perimeter to prevent the fabric from fraying.

Sizes:
- 30 inches (76.2 cm) long. Will fit over a strap that is up to 1 inch (25mm) wide.
- 58 inches (147.32 cm) long. Will fit over a strap that is up to 3/4 inch (19mm) wide.

Q. Are shock cord protectors needed for Kevlar^® shock cords?

A. No. Kevlar already has its own heat resistence. These shock cord protectors are typically used on Nylon strap shock cords.

Q. Do these shock cord protectors add strength to the shock cord?

A. No. It is just meant to keep the nylon (which melts at high heat) strap from getting scorched and losing strength.

Q. Why use nylon strap instead of Kevlar?

A. It comes down to the builder's own choice. Kevlar is preferred. But it can be a little pricey for very large rockets (greater than 10 pounds). Also, Kevlar is very abrasive and can often cut through the side wall of the tube near the top end of the rocket (called a "zipper"). Nylon is softer and there is a reduced chance that it may zipper a tube. But it comes down to a builder's own preferences. The Madcow Rocketry Patriot Missile uses a nylon strap shock cord, and would be a good candidate for an upgrade to a Nomex shock cord protector.

Q. Do these shock cord protectors offer any protection for the parachute?

A. No. They only protect the shock cord. Get separate Nomex parachute protectors too.