My equipment measures shorter on the ground than the length I bought.

All our equipment is made with “in use” in mind. Therefore our equipment may measure shorter when laid out on the ground that the length described on the internet or in your invoice. If you measure the bar under tension/in use then the described measurement will be accurate. We do it this way for 2 reasons. Number 1, all our gear is made “under tension” so that we can ensure it is safe for use. And Number 2, lots of aerialists are working in low spaces so they need to know their gear won’t stretch beyond the measurement described in the website or purchase invoice. Over time the difference between the relaxed (lying on the floor) version of your gear and the in use (up in the air with you hanging on it) will reduce. This give in the material is part of its strength, so it’s a happy thing 🙂