Whats best?  I have my Brodak Baby Clown ARF with an old Cox Blackwidow .049.  I have dacron lines.  How long should they be?   25', 30' or 35'?  Steel cables for 1/2A are usually 35'.  When I was a kid I flew my Baby Flight Streak with the Blackwidow on dacron lines and it seemed to work just fine.  Any 1/2A flyers out there with any good insight?

Don't like Dacron, it stretches too much, but Spiderwire fishing line works well for 1/2As; I think other brands too, you just have to get the non-stretch types. .  With a BW 35' ought to be about right.

--Ray

35 feet of Spiderwire, for sure!

Ray, what "lbs. test" is correct??  I forgot and can't find my spool, gotta get some new!

Thanks,
Bill <><

Shawn
Make sure the "Spider Wire" is woven, not monofillament.  Not all spider wire is created equal.

Read my "1/4 A flying line" report on page 2.  Also look at the clips I found.

Clancy

Not yet mentioned is the fact that the .008 steel cables will have far less wind resistance than the 12# Spyderwire. This can make a truly huge difference in performance, and will probably allow you to go to 42' lines, giving you a lot more maneuvering room.

Shawn,

So there you have it. Length at 35' seems to be right for a reed valve BW.

Steel .008 cable will fly a bit better, but are harder to maintain.

Spiderwire is a close second.

Dacron works, and has been used for many years...just not a first choice by many.

Sounds like you are fairly new at flying. If so, consider the Spiderwire because of the less maintenance and handling. You need to be able to concentrate on your flying right now. Once you handle the plane without needing to concentrate so hard, switch to steel.

Of course, if you are already a proficient flier, then you need to assess your flying site. You should have a well maintained surface, free of twigs and stumps if you use steel. Steel will kink and fray easily, and must be handled with great care.

Good luck, whichever way you go.

George