What the heck is “Biothane”?!
When we say “Biothane”, we are referring to waterproof coated webbing produced by the company “BioThane USA”. BioThane USA is a leading global manufacturer of coated webbings. And it’s not just used for dogs, but also for Medical, Military and Safety equipment!
There are many different styles and coatings of BioThane coated webbing, but the kind we use is called “Super Heavy Beta Biothane“ , in this case, “Beta” is the Protective Polymer Coating that makes the webbing waterproof as well as other properties. The “Beta” coating is opaque and has a leather like finish. It’s soft and flexible but feels durable at the same time.
We specifically use “Super Heavy” BioThane which means that it’s slightly thicker than “Standard“ BioThane. Super Heavy BioThane is softer and more flexible than standard, and seems to be enjoyed more, although it does have its downsides such as being more difficult to work with, more expensive and heavier.
Why BioThane?
As you probably know, dogs tend to be very messy and stinky, BioThane combats that by being waterproof, stink-proof, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, UV-resistant and easy to clean! BioThane dog gear is huge game changer for all dog owners, it means no more leashes caked in mud that have no chance of getting clean again, no more collars that reek of dead fish from the lake. Your BioThane gear will long outlive nylon or leather gear!
The Company
BioThane USA has been part of the coated webbing industry since 1977. They started up in a basement and now operate out of a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot facility spanning three buildings for corporate offices, fabrication and extrusion in North Ridgeville, Ohio. BioThane USA performs rigorous testing to ensure quality and consistency. BioThane is ISO 9001:2015 Quality Control System registered for the design and manufacturing of narrow coated webbing.
How does BioThane compare to other “waterproof” coated webbings on the market?
There are many generic “coated webbings” out there, and they can be up to half the price of genuine BioThane! But how do they compare to products by BioThane USA? Do they hold up after many long hikes with your large breed dog? Will they fade, tear or crack?
BioThane USA does rigorous testing to ensure quality, they even test and measure each batch of webbing that comes out of their machines to ensure consistency in their products. BioThane® is ISO 9001:2015 registered and their process is modeled after the ISO9001 quality system.
Strength:
A 1 1/2“ Beta BioThane strap is rated to have breaking load of at least 1500lbs while another 1 1/2” Waterproof Webbing option is rated at only 610lbs.
Texture and Feel:
Beta BioThane is embossed with a leather like texture, this makes it soft and have a finished look. The PVC coating on Beta BioThane is flexible and remains flexible even in cold conditions. It is soft, and has a nice feel in your hands but is very durable and abrasion resistant at the same time.
Generic coated webbing is also embossed with what is supposed to be a leather like texture, but the texture looks very harsh and fake. It generally feels more plasticy than Beta BioThane and is definitely not as flexible, if you fold it, it takes a couple seconds to return back to its original place while Beta BioThane pops back immediately.
Fading and UV:
BioThane is UV/ fade resistant but fluorescent colors are more likely to experience minor fading. Generic coated webbing fades easily after prolonged exposure to UV. Fading of Beta BioThane Coated webbing vs. generic coated webbing is shown below
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Pink BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Yellow BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Orange BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Neon Yellow BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
Color Transfer with Beta BioThane
Color Transfer with Generic Coated Webbing
Neon Yellow BioThane vs. Generic Brand Fade Test
BioThane and vinyl after sitting for three days with 10lbs placed on top. There is no noticeable color Transfer.
Color Transfer with Generic Coated Webbing
Color Transfer with Generic Coated Webbing
Color Transfer with Generic Coated Webbing
Generic Coated Webbing and vinyl after sitting for 3 days with 10lbs placed on top. There is significant noticeable color Transfer.