The second half is a single strand of wire too. it is the joint in the middle that makes it seem like the second half is seven strand. At least thats how it is on the few I have.
The only thing I worry about is, the rubber or the coating has a distinct heavy chemical odor. Those who used them last season said it didn't matter but I couldn't help but notice it since the 20 I bought sat in my truck overnight and it took 3 days to air the turpentine odor out.