On low power (OK .049) non high performance models Dacron is fine, the multi strand one has very little streach to it.  Higher performance models (Stunt/Combat) with stronger engines engines require stronger wire like .008 (easy to kink) to .010.  Okay now everyone will disagree.

Larry

Yup, I disagree....008 = legal, sufficiently strong, but a Real Bother to mess with...it kinks if you look at it crosswise.  Handle it almost literally with kid gloves, don't ever let it drag across the ground (paved or grass either one), when untwisting after a flight you must be VERY CAREFUL to avoid introducing a kink...it's good for competition because it's so light and low drag, but for sport flying, or even much practice flying, I wouldn't use it (and don't).  

I use Spiderwire almost exclusively, up to 48' and .061-powered combat wings.  But if you're uneasy about that, I have a set of .012 multistrand and it works OK even with the mild-mannered Cox Surestarts, etc.  Yes, a little draggy; just set your LO guides a little further back.

I never saw Dacron that wasn't stretchy.  Not to say it doesn't exist, Larry says it does so it does, but this is the first I've heard of it.

There are several advantages to Spectra control-lines.  One is that you can get them in yellow color so they are visible on the ground.  The other is that you can't hurt them by stepping on them, even on pavement!  Also, they don't kink or curl.  They are less expensive than .008 wire and at least here in "the colonies", way more available.  On the downside, they do soak up oil eventually.

Making the standard ends isn't all that difficult, and you have to do that with wire too.

The key is to be sure the box has "Spectra" marked on it.  Spiderwire is no longer Spectra, but several other brands are.  There probably are other line brands that function as well as those marked Spectra, but why bother experimenting when you can get the material you know will work.

I have never come across Spectra that had any stretch to it that I could feel.  Also, I just use the thinnest material I can find, and have had no failures now that I use the line ends instead of tied ends.

Making the standard ends isn't all that difficult, and you have to do that with wire too.

Do you wrap around an eyelet?  The eyelets that I have seen are all way too big for the small "1/2-A" sized line clips that I see Sig et. all selling -- do you use extra-small eyelets (and where do you get them?!?) or do you use something different for line clips?  Do you tie around the eyelet, make a little hangman's noose, make some sort of fisherman's knot, swage an aluminum tube*, or do the "wrap, wrap and glue" method?

I've only had one failure, ever, with SpiderWire and that was the flight right after a "slack and jerk" experience, and it did, indeed, break off right at the knot.  So finding a better way to do my line ends is on my "to do" list.

* I'm just trying to be complete, here.

For years I used stainless .012 cable, recently I have switched to the "Spectra" braided fishing line. It comes in a variety of colors, I use yellow, It is available from numerous mail order houses if you can't find it in a local store. Last time I bought it I got it from Bass Pro Shops.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=739094&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D738579%26WT.tsrc%3DCSE%26WT.mc_id%3Dpricegrabber%26WT.z_mc_id1%3D738579%26rid%3D40%26mr%3AreferralID%3D8cff6aa3-eb05-11e0-9e9c-001b2166c62d&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-115246

Ray,
    I,m just shy of 67 years old, had three strokes, lost all of my hair and things that I can not even remember having ... I don't have enough time left to take anything seriously - least of all anything that I say as I can't remember anything that I say anyway.
    My doctor asked me how I feel about growing old.  I told her that as long as you can do it with someone that you really love it isn't so bad.  My wife recently beat Cancer so life is good again.

Larry

As far as line ends are concerned with Spectra, please look at my thread in the rules section.  I detail out what I use.  Basically, I make a teardrop shaped tube for the line end, and use a ferrule with the line through and wrapped around it with three crimps to secure the termination.  1/16" aluminum tubing is used, and I chamfer the inside of each end of both pieces of tube to prevent cutting.

Unlike my experience with knots, I can get the line lengths precisely matched within about 1/8".  If this can be done with the knots that are recommended, I'd love to hear about it.

I will admit that I didn't know about wetting the thread as you pull the knot tight.  That may make a huge difference in the self-cutting problem.

Ray, do you remember when ....ah- what was I saying ... oh well I forget now ....

Larry

Young whippersnappers!  67 and 68,  I gotch'a by a year! 

Since we have license to disagree  , I guess that forces me to do so with regards to steel lines.
I have been using .008 steel cable for many years and none of my lines has ever broken or kinked for that matter. Of course, I do handle them carefully, but not more so than any of my other lines. I keep them clean, wound on good reels and stored in zip lock plastic bags when not in use. Maybe I have just been lucky that no one has driven their bikes over them or got them tangled in their feet.

Orv.

Hi Andrew,
 I am also located in the UK and I have used Spectra Power Pro Braid on a small Vic Smeed "Chubby" Biplane with no issues. I got mine from GiantCod. http://www.giantcod.co.uk/power-braid-20lb-p-405886.html (They are actually a model shop despite the name).

This may well be totally the wrong stuff to use but I have had no issues so far and not noticed any stretching or similar.

TTFN
John.

Here has been my experience to date. 

So far no one ever seems to remember what they purchased and use vs what they found to be inferior.

I have tried to read nearly everything that I can on the “fishing line” lines.  To date I never get a “complete” answer that is “Specific” enough to go out and purchase the “Same Exact product” that someone else here claims to be using.  I have bought, tested and returned many boxes of line from the specialty fishing shops as well as Walmart. The stuff is expensive and I no longer fish.

My simple test has been to use two pieces of ½ inch steel rod. One goes in the bench vise and the other one goes in my hands. A knotted loop goes over the rod in the vise and another around the one in my hand and I carefully stretch it till it breaks. Any fishing line no matter what the numbers are, braided or not breaks sooner than Dacron. (Run on Sentence here) I’ll admit that the Dacron does indeed stretch but it stretches for one hell of a long time before it breaks and I am pulling a lot harder on it than any of the models I have been flying.  All the fishing line was inconsistent as to when it would break. The Dacron was predictable.  As far as a comparison to the steel lines.. well they just work.

I would love to try one of these “fishing line” products but based on the lack of specific product details along with the testing I just don’t trust the stuff. I ran the same test on a spool of stuff a friend of mine was using successfully and after he watched me do it he quit using it. 
I think it would be helpful if when talking about these lines the resource produced a photo of the box or a product number. 

Until then I have deemed this all a disinformation campaign. All of you are either using Dacron or Steel and the fishing line story is a ruse to cause everyone else to be in a perpetual stage of fabrication at the workbench building new planes or gluing the old ones back together.

Mark

PS: Last Sunday we were test flying a new Mouse Racer and during the refueling had to flag down a knucklehead in a Pickup who tried to drive across the lines. I guess he was more concerned with his phone conversation than the driving bit.

Most certainly you provided a link and so far your it. so far this has all been like referring to ever copy machine by any manufacturer as a Xerox.

Often this is all referred to as Spider Wire instead of Fishing Line.

You didnt mention which one of the sizes you were using however. Could you please share that?
Have you done any form of pull test so far? What are your experiences? What types of models are you flying on it.

I am sure when I get to the fishing joint there will be at least 5 other versions of this product or more so that link and photo you shared will be valuable to all.

When I was in Bass Pro Shops with my Uncle years ago I asked him "how many of these products are meant to catch people rather than fish?" 

Mark

Rated pound test  Mono equivalent    Actual Break strength  Diameter in inches
20 LB                   6 LB                   27 LBS                      0.008

Thanks for that info. The yellow color is awesome as its easy to lose this stuff especially when green.
When they say that the mono equiv is 6 lb that must refer to the diameter of 6lb mono.

You know it might be easier to always refer to any of these products by the diameter of the line rather than the LB test as the rest can get lost in the marketing hype.

Mark

Huh .. Okay,

Well I am in Colorado and it may be available here at one of the specialty tackle shops. The lighter weights should be stocked as that is appropriate for Trout fishing.
I will take a look and let you know.

BTW: This is also where all the great Beer is at.   

Mark

Mark,

We lived in Denver for almost five years. Still have family and friends there, so we visit as often as we can.

Flew mostly Ringmasters, and Shoe Strings there, with Fox and McCoy 35 engines.

Took one of my Ringmasters to fly at sea level  (Baltimore), and could not believe how well it flew there!  


John,

I also plan to pull test the Tuf Line XP, and will use Palomar knots, and the same Half-A slider type line clips that most of us fly with.

Will let you know if I ever get around to it, as I'm pretty well known to be very slow getting things finished.  

Bill

Many years ago we flew 1/2A reed Goodyear racers on 008 solid lines.  The airplanes were very light and we had a lot of trouble with lines sticking together.  Flying 1/2A stunt with TDs I have always used Sig 008 cables.  I wrap the ends as I don't trust my crimping on something that small.  I haven't had any trouble to speak of.  They do have to be handled carefully and thoughtfully.  I have several rolls and will use them if I need them in the future. 

Gotcha, speak for yourself young whippersnapper!  71!

Well, all you *old geezers* ( ) I am a baby faced young'un!  Only 60 years old here, but rode hard and put up wet all the time when I was even younger.

(need to check the "size" of my fishing line I fly 1/2A with! )

Big Bear