Which Hi-Start?

[Meneer]

Hi all,

I'll soon be working on a pair of Genie LT/S sailplanes for myself and a friend, and while he's going the winch route, I'm wanting to try the Hi-Start method instead. Ease of transport and lower costs are the main reasons.

I'm looking at either the Dynaflite Open Class Hi-Start or the Hangar 9 G-Force SLS400.

Both of these Hi-Starts systems are for open class gliders (the Genie LT/S is 120" in span and weighs in the neighbourhood of 62 oz), and also cost about the same amount.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Dan

[RSCherry]

There is only one hi start worth buying:

http://www.aerofoam.com/hosemonster.html

I launch sailplanes up to 138" on mine.

Bob

[fprintf]

I concur with RSCherry. Aerofoam is the most recommended histart on this forum, RCSE and others - it is the same histart rubber that Hollyday used to sell. My next histart will be a hosemonster.

For now I have a heavy duty histart from Hobby Lobby, also recommended although not nearly as stretchable/elastic.

[Ollie]

I have owned several different histarts over the years and the best for both energy storage and longevity is the mandrel formed rubber tubing from Aerofoam.

[nuevo]

I own the Hobby Lobby variety. That, and the Aerofoam ones are fine for 3-meter planes. The Aerofoam one gives a longer steadier pull. The Hobby Lobby one has a quicker pull, but runs out of steam a little sooner. I would not recommend the others you originally mentioned.

[Meneer]

Well then, Hosemonster it will be. Thanks for your input guys.

Dan

[RSCherry]

You won't be disappointed. Pay attention to the outside temperature when you are using it- I don't use mine if the temp is below 45 deg. F per some discussions with Mark at Aerofoam.

[aeajr]

This is a little late, but I have a NE sailplanes Standard and it sends the 2 and 3 meter planes up very nicely.

1/2" rubber with 3/16 wall. about $80 I think.

www.nesail.com


edit, I have the NESail Xlarge 1/2" rubber with 3/16 wall.

The standard is 5/16 I think.

[Meneer]

Thanks aeajr, I appreciate your input.

I think I'll be sticking with the Hosemonster. Not only is the rubber high quality, but the name alone makes it worth the price :)

Dan

[Peter Young]

I used my hosemonster for the first time last weekend to launch my stepp 3 (and some other planes - Ricochet etc). We misjudged the space needed and couldn't stretch the hi-start as far back as we would like. Even with less than full extension we were getting great launches. I'm sold.

[Tim Jonas]

I'm getting set to order one of these for my Aquila. Everyone still happy with theirs?

[Tim Jonas]

I think I am going to get the 2 meter Competition convertible. I believe this should handle the light Aquila.