1/2 A lines

[Russell Shaffer]

What are people using for 1/2 A lines these days?  I have some 20 year old dacron that I probably shouldn't use.  Length suggestions are welcome.  Russell

[Joey Mathison 9806]

i am flying with 47' .008 braided planes are stunt man 23 norvell 049 and brodak baby clown same motor. works great . hope that helps. i am no expert at stunt you may wait to see some of the other posts from the big boys.

[minnesotamodeler]

I've been using Spiderwire fishing line for a few years now...lengths from 35' (weak reed valve engines) all the way up to 52' (Norvel .061 in my LittleAxe stunter).  I've never had a problem with Spiderwire failing but another modeller reported that he did, on the first flight, so I hesitate to recommend it any more. Use at your own risk, I guess...I still use it.

--Ray

[Bill Little]

I've been using Spiderwire fishing line for a few years now...lengths from 35' (weak reed valve engines) all the way up to 52' (Norvel .061 in my LittleAxe stunter).  I've never had a problem with Spiderwire failing but another modeller reported that he did, on the first flight, so I hesitate to recommend it any more. Use at your own risk, I guess...I still use it.

--Ray

Hi Ray,
I, too, use Spiderwire.  The fact that it is fishing line and needs to be tied correctly might be the problem the person experienced.  I have never had a breakage problem.  As you know, it is a lot less fussy than steel lines with handling and storage problems. 
I can't remember the breaking strength I use, guess I will have to find the spool and see! 

[minnesotamodeler]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that...the Palomar fisherman's knot is what I use, a standard knot causes the line to pull against itself and cut itself.  Kind of an important detail I guess, If a guy intends to try the stuff.

I'm using 14-lb line that is claimed to be "8- lb. test diameter".  I don't know what they measure that against, or whose 8- lb. line it's the same diameter as. (Don't criticize the grammar, you get my point).  seeing that a really strong 1/2A might pull, what, 2-3 lbs.?, I think that's safe...I've never broken a line in normal circumstances, only when a heavy plane cut across the circle and hit the end; also broke one arm off the bellcrank.  I've even used Spiderwire for combat, and had it kill a Black Widow that got into the lines...took a while to unwrap/untangle them from the prop and shaft, and the lines were frayed so badly I threw them away, but they were intact.  Try that with your .008 steelies!

--Ray

[Bill Heher]

I have used Spyder wire also with good results. I have had a few sets of Sig and Sullivan .008 stainless but they just don't last very long with the type of flying (sport stunt over grass / weeds) we do.