Dynema® and Spectra® are made from UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene), a long chain, high strength, oriented strand, synthetic fiber with very high strength and high abrasion resistance. This fiber is also known as HMPE (High Modulus PolyEthylene). Dynema® is the Dutch company DSM Dyneema's brand of UHMWPE, used by Samson in their Amsteel and Amsteel-Blue dyneema lines. Honeywell International produces a similar UHMWPE fiber, marketed as Spectra®. Both Dyneema (Dynema) and Spectra offer nearly identical characteristics are can be used interchangeably in sailing applications, depending on where you source your line.