MIL-W-17337 and A-A-55301 are often listed together by tactical webbing suppliers. That does not make them interchangeable. DLA maintains MIL-PRF-17337 and A-A-55301 as separate active documents, both covering nylon webbing within their stated scopes.
What the Official Records Say
| Document | Published scope | Purchasing implication |
|---|---|---|
| MIL-PRF-17337 | Woven nylon webbing on shuttle or shuttleless looms | Specify the applicable revision, classification and dimensional/performance requirements |
| A-A-55301 | Textured or multifilament nylon webbing for individual equipment belts, rifle slings and load-carrying equipment | Specify the exact construction and classification needed by the equipment drawing |
The older MIL-W-17337 name remains common in RFQs. Follow its document history to the required version instead of replacing it with A-A-55301 by assumption. A-A-55301 is not a polyester-webbing specification.
Compare Actual Constructions
Buyers often describe 17337-style samples as thinner and more flexible, and some 55301 constructions as heavier or stiffer. These are useful sample observations, not universal acceptance criteria. Finish, yarn and construction can change hand feel. Compare the actual width, thickness, mass per length and bending behavior required by your drawing.
For a 1-inch PALS grid, a material may meet the nominal width but still be too thick for a sewing stack or too soft for a pouch attachment strap. Check the woven edge, shrinkage after the required conditioning, and the way the finished strap interacts with hardware. Request a trial sample rather than choosing only by document number.
Strength, Elongation and IRR Must Be Specified Separately
Do not use “mil-spec nylon” as a substitute for a required breaking force. Identify the test method, sample conditioning and acceptance rule. Elongation at break does not describe movement under a service load. A construction used in an approved personnel-support system must satisfy that system’s requirements, including seams and other components.
Visual camouflage and NIR performance are also different. If infrared reflectance matters, send the applicable spectral limits, wavelength range, colors and required conditioning. A green or brown sample is not evidence that the required curve is met.
Can One Be Substituted for the Other?
Only when the buyer or design authority accepts the proposed material against all applicable requirements. Provide a comparison showing the exact document versions, classifications, dimensional measurements, breaking-force and elongation results, finish and any NIR data. Similar appearance is insufficient. Record the approved substitution on the order.
Manufacturing Origin and Procurement
TMG Webbing manufactures in Dongguan, China. We can make webbing to agreed technical performance requirements. Matching those requirements does not establish U.S. origin or Berry Amendment compliance. Review the procurement clauses before selecting a supplier.
Information to Send for a Quote
- Complete specification and revision, including the required type or class.
- Width, thickness, tolerances and unit system.
- Color reference and any post-wash or NIR acceptance requirements.
- Required mechanical tests, sampling and documentation.
- Intended assembly, quantity and delivery requirement.
See our MOLLE/PALS dimensions guide and mil-spec manufacturing options for the next step.
Sources and Technical References
Specify Your Webbing for a Factory Quote
TMG Webbing manufactures in Dongguan, China. Custom webbing MOQ is 3,000 meters, with a standard production lead time of 15 days after specification and sample approval. Confirm the schedule for your material and finish. Stock availability and finished-product quantities are quoted separately.
Send the material, width, thickness, construction, color, quantity, required tests and end use. We hold GRS and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificates; ask us to confirm the applicable article scope for your order.