Some Thoughts About Winch Line...



		Some Thoughts about Winch Line...

		So how DO you choose the proper winch line? The answer to this question comes from the answers to several other questions.... Like what kind of surface do you fly from? Is it nice, smooth mowed grass? If so, abrasion isn't an issue, and your winch line will last a long time. If you fly from gravel... bare dirt, etc.... then your line will get chewed up pretty quickly... and start breaking. To minimize the grief, you will want a heavier line. After all... you want to fly... not spend your day tracking down broken ends, and tying knots. If you fly really big, heavy sailplanes... or are really launching hard... you'll need heavier line as well.... but if you fly only smaller, lighter sailplanes you can get away with lighter line. That poor little sailplane of yours will GRUNT if you make it drag a lot of heavy line into the air... so there is no point in using heavier line than you need. Our biggest seller is the 126# braided nylon. That is the "standard" club winch line.... and works pretty well with just about everything. Braided line is inexpensive, but it has two inherent disadvantages.... it has little or no stretch.. so you won't get much of a "zoom" off the top of the launch... and, braided nylon picks up moisture and dew. A 200# test nylon line can seem as heavy as well rope when it is soaking wet... like it gets on a dewy morning, Monofilament line is inherently "stretchy".... and ours was chosen because it has really good stretch characteristics. Monofilament does require a bit more care when operating the winch.... because it has some "body" to it... it can backlash a bit easier than braided. But for those really awesome zoom launches... monofilament is the only way to go...... More and more sport fliers and clubs are switching to monofilament... usually the 150# weight...... Because it has some stretch it is actually gentler on smaller, built-up planes... and it will slingshot the glass ships up to phenomenal heights. The competition guys are using the lighter weights... like the 130# and 100#... for even higher launches. But you have to be careful... too much gusto on the winch switch, and the line will break. If the wind comes up.... switch to the 200# test... and get out your binoculars. Strong wind plus strong winch line equals STRATOSPHERIC launches! If you have any questions... or need help choosing a winch line to order... please e-mail us at support@soaringstuff.com