C/l braid some advice

Dizzyman2011 Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:59 am

I am currently and have been using for some time .012" steel braid for my lines is this too heavy as when I used Dacron years ago it seemed lighter ? Maybe this is just fond memories of youth what does everyone else use don't fly combat but do general sport and stunt. Some of my less powerful engines seem to struggle with the weight I think and struggle with anything but roundy roundy no loops w'overs etc was thinking of ordering some .008" steel braid from brodak or am I still way to heavy I build all my craft light but this is getting me down went flying this morning quite a breeze and my widow struggled with a loop !!! I'm not asking too much was running a solid 18k with a 6x3 so power seemed to be there just loads of drag
Any suggestions for some good braid Have heard people talk about spider wire but have never used it before
Cheers

Kim Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:11 am

Yeah, I'd think .012 would be pretty heavy for 1/2A. I've been using Spiderwire (10 or 15 lb test...can't remember, but will check when I'm back home), and really like it. Although you have to be very careful of tangles, it's plenty strong, and stays a lot straighter in flight than dacron (which I STILL like for nostalgia).

I've got some heavier lines made up for my larger planes, but haven't had a chance to try them out. I think Ken posted a while back that he uses it to fly combat, and if it's tough enough for THAT kind of melee, then it ought to work fine for my stuff.

Dizzyman2011 Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:18 am

Ok I assume then that this spiderwire is like braided fishing line then not metal like what I'm using at the mo? If so then I imagine it would be much lighter I just searched spiderwire and got lots of different types are they all good or are there any to watch out for I saw flourocarbon very cheap £5 for 125 yards is this the same or is this not braid just monofilament line I think the breaking strain of what I'm using is 30lb was the smallest I could find have had loads of it (bought a big reel ) for about 5 years now still loads left but I may be making things difficult for myself eh?

Kim Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:35 am

I Do know that the stuff I have is braided. I'd think that if it's light, and doesn't stretch it ought to work. I DID have a little difficulty in tying the preferred "Palomar Knot" in the stuff, but eventually got it to work.

The roll I got for larger models is bright yellow line, which makes it a little less likely to snare you on your way out to the handle!

**Cribbs74** Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:17 am

Spiderwire is good stuff. I use 10# and it works well. I bought green which dissappears in the grass so bright yellow would be the way to go. Inspect the line for nicks as it will break even though it's really strong stuff normally.

.008 steel lines are good too, just be aware that they are thin and easy to kink.

Ron

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:59 am

I'd submit that the Kevlar lines by Sullivan work well too.

Allegedly "stronger than steel" I've never tested them to find out. Laughing

They come complete with attaching hardware and a nice plastic storage reel.

Dizzyman2011 Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:04 am

Ok so what's the general consensus as to what's best:
cable, braid, Dacron or Kevlar Or something else ? I'm not using it for combat just fun flying

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:08 am

Don't believe there is any general concensus as each has it's merits and disadvantages depending on the application..

gcb Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:12 am

SuperDave wrote:I'd submit that the Kevlar lines by Sullivan work well too.

Allegedly "stronger than steel" I've never tested them to find out.

They come complete with attaching hardware and a nice plastic storage reel.

I think they are for larger engines (~.35) and, from what I have read, impose a LOT of drag even on that size engine. Some who posted that they have tried it suggest it is better used as a release wire on a stooge.

I have not tried it.

George

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:23 am

George:

I fly 35 foot Kevalr lines by Sullivan that are specifically designed for 1/2A applications.

If price is a consideration, they ARE more expensive than fishing line variations but they do come complete and ready to use.

I like the convienence for the storage reel too,

duke.johnson Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:28 am

I know guys that use fishing line for all their plane, small to big, fun fly to fast contest combat. They love it and I'm going to switch over as I need new line.

**RknRusty** Wed Nov 28, 2012 10:55 am

I use Spiderwire, and another brand that might be called Spectra, not sure. It's braided Kevlar coated with Teflon. You can wind it up with loops as much as you want and it still slides against itself just fine. I use heavier 20 or 30# test to reduce tangles. There are two numbers on the box. One is the actual test and the other is the approximate test of traditional line of the same thickness. For instance it may say 15/4, meaning it is 15# test and the thickness of traditional 4# test line. It's the best stuff for my needs. It can be difficult to tie a secure knot but it's tough stuff.

Learn about knots here:
http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:20 am

Rusty:

Have tried the bowline knot to secure the line? Easy to tie and untie plus very secure.

**RknRusty** Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:22 pm

I've tied bowlines but not with flying line. It's one I was looking at. It looks like it would work for the Teflon coated line. It's been a long time since i was in the Scouts. I knew all kinds of knots back then. I come from a long line of sailors, and I've been a fisherman all my life.

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:50 pm

Rusty:

Ahoy, swabbie!

Type "how to tie a bowline knot" on your browser line and U-tube will show you how.

andrew Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:04 pm

I use Spiderwire 10# braided.

pkrankow Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:24 pm

I use Power Pro fishing line, they are labeled "Spectra" although these fishing lines are all high performance Aramid fibers (GSUMP).

http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/compreg.aspx

The AMA rules have the information you are looking for whether you choose steel solid, steel braided, or spectra. They also strongly recommend using a particular doubled knot that is fairly easy to tie, although I have used the Palomar and figure-8 successfully and reliably. The figure-8 is the only loop knot I have used reliably. Being doubled means that the end of the line is folded over so 2 lines form the termination as you tie the knot.

If you can get the high visibility yellow form of the line. Low-vis green disappears on grass.

Phil

**RknRusty** Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:05 pm

Next time I rig up a handle I think I'll use a lighter test, especially since I almost never have a day with less that 10mph wind. Even with the 30# I don't see the line bow like Dacron. I like the slightly more supple texture of Spiderwire better than the Spectra.

Dave. the Bowline is one that I still have in my fuzzy memory. One old Scout way of shortening a rope in the middle used to be the sheepshank. Now I read that it should never be used as it's the least safe knot for the purpose. Suits me, that one always gave me trouble.

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 3:41 pm

Rusty:

That's strange because when I used to have power boats (up to 38') on Puget Sound I used bowline knots to secure my boats to mooring docks usually with 5/8" nylon lines. I've had mooring cleats pull out of docks in rough weather but never a line or knot failure.

But use whatever knot with which you feel comfortable; I'll stick with my bowlines.

andrew Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:41 pm

SuperDave wrote:Rusty:

I've had mooring cleats pull out of docks in rough weather but never a line or knot failure.

But use whatever knot with which you feel comfortable; I'll stick with my bowlines.

For rope and nylon braids, the bowline is hard to beat. However, Spiderwire is so slick that bowlines will work loose. Recommended knots for Spiderwire are the Palomar for the heavier weights and the Trilene knot for the smaller diameters.

**RknRusty** Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:26 pm

The sheepshank is the one I meant was unsafe.
The palomar is my favorite if you are tying to something small enough to pass back through the loop.

SuperDave Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:06 pm

Andrew:

In nautical terms do you know the difference between a rope and a line?

**RknRusty** Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:24 pm

I do.

pkrankow Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:05 pm

Doubled 5-turn uniknot is specifically specified and this video is linked from the general 45 portion of the competition rules.

http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/compreg.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGL2aD9q-cE

It is easy to tie, there are probably easier, but this tightens on itself nicely. The biggest advantage I see is if you do decide to fly in competition you at least would not need to remake your lines.

Phil

Kim Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:30 pm

Cool. Gonna check this out when I get somewhere that has WiFi !

Sponsored content

C/l braid some advice

C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice

Re: C/l braid some advice