Author Topic: What size "Spiderwire"/spectra for 1/2A control lines? (Read 3656 times)

Scott Redlin · « **on:** February 27, 2013, 12:56:41 PM »

I'm new to this site and will be building a Sig 1/2A Skyray that I just ordered very soon, to relive my childhood and hopefully teach my 7 year old son to fly as well? Anyway, I've come across a few posts here and there about people using "Spiderwire" brand spectra fishing line for control lines, since the claim is that it is better and less stretchy than the dacron that comes with the Sig 1/2A handle. So I'm just wondering what type of "Spiderwire" people are using as in the test strength, 10 lb, 20 lb, 50 lb? I'm planning on building with electric power since I've been flying parkflyer RC and have some gear which should work, but I am interested in going with the lightest control lines that will safely fly 1/2A size control line planes, so any help would be greatly appreciated and especially website links so that I know exactly what to look for, thanks in advance for any and all assistance with this.

Scott

john vlna · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2013, 05:49:21 PM »

I use 10 lb on my 1/2A's, electric and glow. I use PowerPro brand in bright yellow, easier to see on the ground.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2013, 10:12:09 AM »

Ditto!

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2013, 09:37:20 AM »

Same here, I use 10lb. as well. Make sure it's multistrand (AKA "braid") not monofiliment. The monofiliment is too stiff, go ahead ask me how I know....

Andy

Scott Redlin · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2013, 12:31:44 PM »

I probably don't wanna learn the hard way why monofilament isn't suitable, so I'll try and find the braided stuff, thanks for the help. I should be getting my order from Sig today sometime so I'll be able get started on this project very soon, I'm excited and I'm sure my son will be as well, thanks again for the helpful information.

Rick Bollinger · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2013, 08:25:50 PM »

I too use the yellow 10lb test. Mine lost its color pretty quickly and turned white. I am not sure if it is from sunlight or fuel. But I have not had any failures and it is far better than dacron in my experience.

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2013, 10:07:24 PM »

I thought about getting some braid this weekend, seems like there was a certain knot to use. Anyone know the name of this non-slip knot?

Bill Little · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2013, 06:23:39 PM »

Quote from: Duke.Johnson on March 01, 2013, 10:07:24 PM

I thought about getting some braid this weekend, seems like there was a certain knot to use. Anyone know the name of this non-slip knot?

From what I understand, Duke, the AMA suggests the Palomar knot, while Larry Renger (IIRC) has found another type that really works well.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

ray copeland · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2013, 06:55:23 PM »

Guys, we are talking 1/2a's!! For 5 years i have been using a triple overhand knot with 20 or 30 lb. spider wire with no slips!! Pull it tight on each knot and a couple of directions and really hard on the last one. Try it , you'll like it , easy to tie and easy to get the lengths correct.

john vlna · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2013, 07:29:00 PM »

Attached is the knot the AMA recommends (CL General rules) it is called a uni-knot. But for 1/2A there are a lot of knots that work.
I make a 1/2A handle that has the line go through it for adjustment. simplifies the making equal length lines.

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #10 on:** March 02, 2013, 08:44:32 PM »

Thanks all.

John
Do you have a picture of the handle?

john e. holliday · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2013, 07:23:34 AM »

John how do you keep the loop from slipping and going smaller?

john vlna · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2013, 10:04:45 AM »

The handle design belongs to Bob Crusan
The attached picture should explain it. The line threads through the handle and is secured with a rubber washer. Each end is terminated with a clip. Very easy to adjust for neutral. Cut the handle to fit your hand.

PS I think the Goldberg handle was similar in concept.

john vlna · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2013, 10:28:30 AM »

Yes the Goldberg handle used the same principle. The line is secured by the little button

john vlna · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2013, 07:41:14 PM »

PowerPro 10lb is only .006" dia, How much smaller do you want?

Here is the link to their sec page http://www.powerpro.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/power_pro_v2/info/using_powerpro/specs.html

kenneth cook · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2013, 04:27:17 PM »

We fly the ball bearing .049's-.061's on 30lb Spectra. I never measured the diameter. I just use the 30 due to the possibility of a line tangle in combat. I witnessed the Spectra lines cut away a set of stainless .012's. I was pretty surprised by that. Ken

Larry Renger · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2013, 10:21:53 PM »

My .061 models never need more than a 6lb pull test to meet competition regs. 10lb line gives you a 3x safety margin over that!

Bill Johnson · « **Reply #17 on:** July 14, 2013, 07:31:43 AM »

I started using Spider Wire fishing some years ago. Using the recommended knots worked fine most of the time but, having a couple slip resulting in lost fish (probably because I got the knot wrong) I read this trick so started hitting all my braided line knots with a drop us super glue. Never had one come loose since.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #18 on:** July 14, 2013, 10:20:06 AM »

One detail of Spectra line tying is that you should wet the knot before pulling it tight. This lets the threads slide to form a very tight knot without abraiding itself.

john vlna · « **Reply #19 on:** July 14, 2013, 10:37:25 AM »

Good advice on the knots, I ran a contest once and pulled at 5 lbs, had several planes lose a line, all because of bad knots.