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

I used the Dynaflight standard high-start (ID:1/8 Thickness: 3/64 OD: 7/32 100 ft tubing, 350ft of string) that was recommended for a 2m plane and was pretty disappointed. The DF heavy-duty might be better, but I don't think it will be enough for your plane.

I ended up switching to a 3m setup from hosemonster http://www.aerofoam.com/hosemonster.html. This one is ID :1/8 Thickness: 1/8 and 100 ft of rubber. I was MUCH happier with this one for the 2m plane.

The skybench is just shorter, so perhaps that would work and the choice between the two depends on how much space you have in the field. One nice thing about the hosemonster setup is that you can get 2 50-ft sections of rubber (with a VERY nice connector between the two) and then adjust the rubber length for the field.

While I don't have tons of experience, what little I have suggests buying the "next highest" high start, compared to what may be recommended.

Karl

The 1/8" wall thickness of the Skybench model as opposed to 1/16" of the Dynaflight would be my deciding factor.

While Dynaflight makes an o.k. product you will eventually find it's performance some what lack luster. Check out Areo Foam hose monster Hi-Starts. The people there will help with any questions you may have as to what size rubber to use. In the past I have used the one level higher principal. I would not suggest this with the Hose monsters. These Hi-starts have plenty of power with some to spare. I have the Unlimited size for my Sailaire(96 oz. pig)and after a very nervous season with it I have decided to go with their 3 meter size hi-start. ( anyone interested in the unlimited rubber?)

Go with the aeromonster can't be beat, great people to deal with and tubing is superior to others I have seen. Joe

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