Thanks daRock for your input.

When I said that I stepped off 50 paces, I suspect that I put in about 150 feet. That sort of goes along with what the instructions said and what I've read... meaning that the rubber can stretch about 3x of it's slack length.

So you think that I can do a bit farther? Also, even though I launch at 45 degrees (maybe less) I'd say that the plane goes to near 70-80 degrees, and I have (or feel the need) to give a bit of down elevator to prevent it from acting like a kite.

Unfortunately, as far as the more experienced flyers to assist me - I'm it...lol. My current club is (as far as I know), nitro and electric planes and 'copters. I also fly nitro planes. But I get to the field VERY early in the morning, do my glider thing, and pack up the hi-start before the others show up since I don't want my lines to interfere with powered take-offs.

I'm joining a local sailplane club later this month, but for now this is what I'm working with.

Best... Roger Parrett