ORIGINAL: jkirby65
Hello everyone,
Thanks to lots of input from this forum, I have decided to build a Skybench Big Bird XL (the 110" wingspan version). Now I need to decide on a high start. Skybench sells one that uses 40 feet of 1/8" inner diameter, 1/8" wall thickness tubing and 210 feet of line. How does this compare to the Dynaflight heavy duty high start, which uses 100 feet of 3/16" inner diameter, 1/16" wall thickness tubing and 350 feet of line? Any recommendations? Feel free to suggest other setups as well.
Thanks
Jim
How large of a field do you have. That hi-start is probably fine for that plane, but is only about half the size of the typical hi-start. You will need about 350 feet of space to use that one. I would guess you could expect 200 to 250 foot launches. OK, but if you have room, go larger.
I have a practice launcher, an up-start, that is 25' of 7/16 rubber and 150 feet of line. Works fine but only gives me about a 150 foot launch.
I would not recommend the Dynaflite for that plane. I have launched my 2M Spirit off the DF HD and found it adequate for that plane, but not particularly strong. It mght work but I would want something stronger, especially for calm days when there is no breeze to help kite the plane up.
My regular hi-start is the NESail XL. 100' of 1/2" rubber with 3/16 wall and 500 feet of line (I added) This gives me great launches on my Spirit, on my 3M legend (about 80 ounces) and on typical 3M (60-70 ounce) sailplanes. But it is stronger than most people like.
The Hosemonster series, mentioned above, has a great reputation, but I have never used them.
http://www.aerofoam.com/hosemonster.html
If you want a complete Hosemonster hi-start
2M Comp/100ft. rubber 500' line $110.00 - This would be the minimum I would suggest in this line.
The Pinnacle, from NE Sailplane, seems to be the standard at our sailplane
club.
I would recommend the Pinnacle Standard from NE-Sailplanes. It will give you a
solid launch and the whole package works nicely. It should launch 2.5
meter planes well and some lighter 3 meter planes. $80 for a complete set-up.
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=875
If you think you might move into 3 Meter planes in the near future, you might consider a stronger hi-start. It will give your 100" a
strong launch, but it won't overstress it. The NESail Large is our club's standard hi-start. It will launch 2M and 3M planes. I have launched my 2M Spirit off this and stronger hi-starts many times- $86
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=874
If you are new to hi-start launching, then this article may be useful.
How to use a hi-start
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=52
I put one of these plane locator/battery monitors in each of my sailplanes,
slope glider, and parkflyers. Cheap insurance and they work well.
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=67
I think Sailplanes are Wonderful - Here's why
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=18