The Double Dragon Loop creates a fixed loop at the middle or end of the rope.
It’s strong, secure, and does not jam under heavy loading. The best part? You can easily untie it afterward.
It’s surprising that the knot isn’t popular, given how much better it is than many other end loop knots.
Maybe it’s just because the knot is fairly new and gaining popularity.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Double Dragon Loop Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: None
ABoK Reference: Not Available
How to Tie the Double Dragon Knot
- Fold the rope to make two bights forming a “S” shape.
- Wrap the tag end around the standing part.
- Wrap it one more time.
- Pass the loop near the standing end through the top loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Need to adjust the size of the loop? Just pull the standing part or the working part of the rope after step 3.
Double Dragon Knot Step by Step
How to Tie the Double Dragon Knot Around an Object
- Pass the rope around the object.
- Make a loop in the working part.
- Pass the palm under the standing end and through the loop.
- Feed the tag end through the loop.
- Pass it through the other loop.
- Pass it one more time.
- Tighten the knot.
Double Dragon Knot Around an Object Step by Step
Double Dragon Loop Strength
Let’s talk about the Strength of the Double Dragon Loop.
The Double Dragon Loop has impressive stability and strength and is mostly used in applications that involve dynamic or vibrating loads.
Unlike the Bowline knot which tends to shake loose when there’s no tension in the line, the Double Dragon Loop holds tight under such conditions.
The best part? It does not jam even after taking the heavy loading.
Double Dragon Loop vs Bowline
The Double Dragon Loop Knot and the Bowline are excellent end loop Knots.
Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Bowline | Double Dragon Loop | |
| History | Ancient | Modern |
| Tying complexity | Simple and quick to tie | Takes time and complex to tie |
| Rope length | Uses less rope | Needs more rope |
| Ease of verification | Easy to check and verify | Hard to verify |
| Resistance to loosening | Can loosen over time | Resistant to loosening |
| Load handling | Easy to untie after heavy loading | Can jam when used as a midline loop knot |
| Popularity | Time-tested and popular | Less commonly used but growing in popularity |
| Midline Capacity | Rarely used as a midline loop knot | Can be tied at the middle of the rope |
| Applications | Used in rescue, sailing and climbing where a non-slipping loop is needed but not subject to dynamic loads. | Used in tying tarps or securing objects in vehicle transport where there are vibrations and dynamic loads involved. |
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie and remember
- Does not require rope’s free end
- Strong and secure
- Does not jam
- Works well with modern slippery ropes like Dyneema.
- Difficult to learn for beginners than simple Bowline
- Can jam if used as a mid loop knot
Application and Uses
The Double Dragon Loop knot is used when a secure fixed loop is needed at the middle or end of the rope.
Here’ re some of the uses:
- Camping: Tie tarps, hammocks or guylines, perfect for windy conditions.
- Transport: Secure objects that might shake loose during transport.
- Midline loop: Creating a loop in the middle of the rope.
- Slippery lines: Works perfectly well on modern slippery ropes like Dyneema.
- Fixed attachment point: Create a handhold or foothold during camping and climbing.
- Lanyard: Create a loop to secure lanyards to tools and keys.
Other Similar Knots
Tugboat A
The Tugboat A is tied similar to the Double Dragon Loop Knot.
Tugboat A is prone to deforming and capsizing, so a second wrap is needed in order for it to be stable which forms a Double Dragon Knot.
Tugboat B
The starting point of the Tugboar B is not similar to the Double Dragon Loop.
As per the discussion on the IGKT forum, Tugboat B performs better than Tugboat A.
It’s sometimes referred to as the Flying Bowline.
Note: Both Tugboat A and Tugboat B are referred to as the Tugboat Bowline or the Speed Bowline.
Perfection Loop
The Perfection Loop is more stable than the above two knots.
But, here’s the thing: it tends to jam under load. It’s popular with the fishermen but not ideal for the general rope works.
It’s also known as the Angler’s Loop.
Refer to this IGKT forum for more discussion on the Tugboat Bowline and the Perfection Loop.
If you have tried this knot, share your experience with this knot.
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