Multi-strand flying lines

[Dan Bregar]

Since I've come back to C/L recently I noticed that there seems to be a subtle change in the lines we use these days.  I seem to remember Sullivan lines being 7 strand lines in the .015 sizes.  And now I'm hearing about 19 strand .015 lines. Are the 7 strand lines still available, and if so who sells them ?  Also what do you folks think about the new version VS the old version. Which type do you like better, & why.  And of course I'm not talking about solids here, just stranded lines.

[Balsa Butcher]

7 strand cable is still available. It is manufactured in the US by Cablestrand (www.cablestrand(dot)com. It is sold on E-bay by "Fly-by-wire" in either 25' or 1000' reels. The 1000" reels are around $26.00 plus $5.00 or so shipping. Look in the control line and free-flight section. I have bought them that way, no problems. You do have to cut them to length. They are comparable to the Sullivan or Sig lines. 

Another choice is Tom Morris lines. They are lighter and come cut to length. If you want every competitive advantage they are preferable and are available direct from Tom. If on the other hand, you primarily sport fly or are just getting started (or re-started) the cablestrand lines are a good choice. 

[ash]

Almost all the SS lines I've had or seen are 7 strand. Brodak, Sig, Sullivan and MBS.

[Mark Scarborough]

to answer the other part of your question,, the 19 strand are much more Limber than the 7 strand,, however, the individual strands are MUCH smaller than those in the 7 strand, and as such are more fragile,,

[Paul Smith]

I buy from McMaster Carr.  I used to buy big spools from Strandflex, the ultimate supplier of Sig, etc.

The current crop seems to be some offshore product, possible made to metric standards and sold as .012', .015", .018",etc, but actually just a bit off.  Even Brodak's product seems to be just a bit off nominal size. 

[Dwayne]

I buy from McMaster Carr.  I used to buy big spools from Strandflex, the ultimate supplier of Sig, etc.

The current crop seems to be some offshore product, possible made to metric standards and sold as .012', .015", .018",etc, but actually just a bit off.  Even Brodak's product seems to be just a bit off nominal size. 

I bought a set of 15's form Brodak and I swear they are thicker, thought it was my imagination but I'm sure they are thicker.

[Joseph Patterson]

  If you are going to use stranded lines stick with the seven strand lines. They are much more durable. As Mark said, the 19's are very fragile. Each strand on the 19's are less than .001". They will fray much quicker than the sevens, at least that has been our experience with them on our concrete circles.   
       Doug

[Steve Helmick]

  If you are going to use stranded lines stick with the seven strand lines. They are much more durable. As Mark said, the 19's are very fragile. Each strand on the 19's are less than .001". They will fray much quicker than the sevens, at least that has been our experience with them on our concrete circles.   
       Doug

Same here! After the initial "wow factor" wears off the 19 strand lines, you'll be changing back to 7 strand. I think most all tried them here in the area, and nobody uses them anymore. Sweet while they last, tho.

The only other thing...make sure you get the shiny silver lines. The "bronzed" lines are much harder for our aging eyes to see on grass or pavement, so are more likely to get damaged on the ground.  Steve

[Randy Powell]

I've used both. The 19 strand are really nice but you have to watch them like solids as they will fray. The 7 strand are much easier to maintain.

[Brett Buck]

  If you are going to use stranded lines stick with the seven strand lines. They are much more durable. As Mark said, the 19's are very fragile. Each strand on the 19's are less than .001". They will fray much quicker than the sevens, at least that has been our experience with them on our concrete circles.   
       Doug

     Agreed, I think the 19-strand are more compliant as well.

    Brett

[Howard Rush]

    Agreed, I think the 19-strand are more compliant as well.

I measured the springiness.  I was surprised to find that the 19-strand and 7-strand are about the same.  

Here's where to get 7-strand lines: mbsmodelsupply.com/‎

[Joseph Patterson]

  Howard I'm sure glad you mentioned MBS. I and some of the fliers down here in Loosianner have been getting all our lines and ftgs. from Melvin for years. He gives speedy service and decent prices. They've been "control line patriots" forever- give'em some business!
    Doug

[Dan Bregar]

Thanks to all for the good info !