Line Manufacturers

[Dick Pacini]

Without getting into the realm of custom made lines with copper wrapped ends, who makes the best off the shelf lines?  Years back I bought Pylon and Sig.  The set of Pylons I bought recently had an unusual feature at the ends.  Instead of having the free end brought back snug through the tube and then crimped, it was left in a loose loop and crimped.  My thoughts were that it reduced the possibility of stress due to doubling back and was a visual clue if the line began to slip in the tube.  I had an unrelated problem yesterday when one of the brass thimbles fell out.  I am sure it was an isolated incident.

That being said, what is the preferred brand and source for good lines today?  I don't know if any are made abroad but I would like to buy domestic.  Are Pylon and Sig still dependable?  Any other brands to consider?

[peabody]

Dick...
I am pretty sure that Pylon Brand has gone the way of all good things....

Brodak sells uncrimped (I believe) lines in various lengths...

For roughly the same money, try Control Line Central (from the vendors here). They sell the "fancy. copper wrapped" lines at a VERY reasonable price, in most any length that you desire.

[Randy Powell]

And when you order a set of 65' lines from CLC, they are actually 65', wrapped and ready to fly.

[Dick Pacini]

The set of Pylon lines I have now were obtained from one of the on-line dealers within the last year.

Since I made the first post, I went on-line shopping around and did find that the Tom Morris copper wrapped lines were actually cheaper than other brands that use crimped ends.  So, I ordered two sets, along with some other stuff.  I also asked if they could throw in a  thimble so I can fix the ones I have.

[peabody]

Bingo Randy!

When I began flying in 1989, I bought a set of lines marked 70 foot.....hooked 'em up and flew into trees.....turned out they were more like 90 foot....
CLC does a terrific job.

[Dwayne]

Bingo Randy!

When I began flying in 1989, I bought a set of lines marked 70 foot.....hooked 'em up and flew into trees.....turned out they were more like 90 foot....
CLC does a terrific job.

 Just bought a set of crimped 60' Sullivans hooked them up to my Twister and unreeled them I thought this can't be right so I measured them and sure enough 66', not a big deal I just cut them down but if it was someone new to the hobby it could be.

[Garf]

Just bought a set of crimped 60' Sullivans hooked them up to my Twister and unreeled them I thought this can't be right so I measured them and sure enough 66', not a big deal I just cut them down but if it was someone new to the hobby it could be.

This was common in the 60's.

[Randy Powell]

And the truth is, line length is a trimming tool. I have a plane right now that I started off with 67' lines (self made from a 2000' spool purchased from McMaster-Carr). I've been cutting 6" off them (and yes, the tediousness of re-wrapping the ends) at at time to try to get them matched to the plane. At this point they are 63' long and it's pretty close to right. Being able to wrap your own line ends is an essential skill. Have a a cool jig to do it easily is priceless.

[Kim Mortimore]

I found with the 19-strand CLC wire, as opposed to the standard 7-strand Pylon, Brodak, Sullivan wire, that I had to handle them with care to avoid unbraiding as well as breaking of the tiny individual strands--usually near the wrapped end.  Anyone else have this experience?   

[Lauri Malila]

 Hi.

 Yes, you easily have loose strands, especially if line-ends are wrapped with copper wire. I use Kevlar and CA glue for wrapping, it helps a little. (of course, that can cause problems with US rules, I guess)  Also, don't use the 4" reel or at least modify the the reel so that it doesn't cause a sharp bend in the line near the wrapped end.
 It's also possible to get loose strands when wiping the lines clean. I never clean them. L