flyin with fishin lines

[Bootlegger]

Guy's who is usin fishin lines on there I/C powered models, in particular 25 to 46 size models, what pound test, and any/all info that you will share.  I am lookin at Power Pro braided fishing line in the 65 lbs test range, what are your thoughts and why, also what knot have you found best to tie, and how do you do it?   Thanks a lot...

[GERALD WIMMER]

Hi
I was flying my 35 sized combat wing on 65lbPower Pro MaxCuarto line yesterday, in fact it was pulling me round on a swivel chair as my back is playing up again .
All you need to do is search Stunthanger for Spectra line and a ton of information will come up including knots to use and recommended line.

Regards Gerald

[Billy Fields]

I'm using 80# just to be safe most would tell you 100# is best but the Spectra line is very strong stuff.

[Richard Imhoff]

65 # test hi vis yellow power PRO is the line. I have been using nothing but for 5 years now and have not had a failure. The only time I use steel is at a contest and other than a bit more line drag with power pro I don't feel any difference.
Trimming the model between steel and power pro is a bit of tip weight and sliding the lead outs a bit.

[Larry Renger]

The weak point in using Spectra type lines is how you tie the knots. I have seen a set break at both ends simultaneously!

The approved knot is the Palomar fishing knot. BUT then secret to success is to wet the fibers before you pull them fully tight. This lets the fibers slide nto full contact so they won’t cut themselves to pieces under a sharp pull.

Another trick is a drop of CA on the knot to lock it up.

[phil c]

The AMA rules specify the line sizes and pull test for PA, and also for sport flying.  Other events, such as combat, have a different spec based on the event, if they are allowed at all.

[Perry Rose]

The best way is to insulate the spectra from itself with 30# fly line backing. A simple granny knot will do the trick then.

[Jim Carter]

Howdy!  I've been using 80# SpyderWire on my U-Reely for a number of years (4) now with great success, generally flying my .40 powered Ringmaster  although I have used it with some of my other planes.

[Larry Renger]

The best way is to insulate the spectra from itself with 30# fly line backing. A simple granny knot will do the trick then.

How, exactly do you do this?

[Richard Imhoff]

OK here what I have been using and doing for 5 years with out any failures.
First DO NOT put any thing like CA on the knots you are asking for a line break!!! and you need NOTHING other than a line clip and the Power Pro,, no line backing or any silly thing like that
Here is the simple Palomar knot that I have used and trust and tied directly to a clip or split ring.

After the lines are made I pull test them to 100 lbs and hold that for 60 seconds or more to SET the lines and knots, the pull and set takes any spongy feel from the lines giving the same feel as STEEL lines. Measuring the stretch between steel and spectra lines is nil, it's so close I can't even measure the difference almost think steel has more stretch than spectra


Double the line and do a simple loop through the clip and the tag end stick the clip through the loop and pull tight "see photos"

Forgot ! to make the lines the same take a sharpie and put a mark on the line at the length you are making and fold the line on that mark and tie it the same as always line will be within a fraction of each other when tied..

[mike londke]

Agree with Dick, CA is a bad idea.

[dave siegler]

I did this and it seems to work.  When I tested it to failure it broke away from the knot.  However, the knot described in the AMA documentation without the sleeving never failed at the knot either.  My tests were not conclusive. 

https://stunthanger.com/smf/combat/sleeving-spectra-lines-with-para-cord-75/msg491615/#msg491615

[mike londke]

I did this and it seems to work.  When I tested it to failure it broke away from the knot.  However, the knot described in the AMA documentation without the sleeving never failed at the knot either.  My tests were not conclusive. 

https://stunthanger.com/smf/combat/sleeving-spectra-lines-with-para-cord-75/msg491615/#msg491615

Neat approach. The kite guys also have all kinds of neat goodies for sleeving their line attachments. Lots of sizes and even tools to make the job easier.