What is so great about the Hosemonster hi-starts?

[aeajr]

What is so great about the hosemonster hi-starts from Aerofoam?

Is it length of stretch? Strength of pull? Gentle launch? Explosive launch?

I am looking for comments from people who have a hosemonster, and preferably have also used some other hi-start.

What are you launching?

What hi-start have you used before?

If you like the monster better, why?

If you don't like the monster, why?

[ICTHRMLS]

I can't comment on this particular brand but suffice to say the bigger and stronger high-starts give you a much better sense of security. It is nice to know you can launch virtually any winch rated plane in zero wind without fear. A little off-topic but still valid.

[Mark Miller]

I have owned just about every hi-start made since the 70's. Craft-Aire was cheap junk, Dynaflight/Marks Models was the same. These were natural tan Latex rubber units that don't last long with heavy use and UV kills it very quickly. Hanger 9 is not to much better but a decent "hobby" hi-start. Pinnacle from NE Sail is good. The Hosemonster hi-starts are well designed to provide the proper tension/stretch for just about any given model size and weight. They have researched the tension properties for all their different rubber sizes very thoroughly and the properties are very consistent. The other advantage is that the quality of materials used is outstanding. The rubber is mandrel dipped rubber and not the cheaper extruded rubber most places sell. It is by far the best serious hi-start on the market. Invest in the good stuff and you will not regret it.

Mark Miller

[birdofprey]

aeajr,

I use a Hose Monster to drag my open class ships into the air. My 90+ ounce Genie and my 80+ ounce Shadow go up the line with ease, even on windless days. I fly from a dirt and rock field (the CASL field in Gilbert, AZ) and wanted a High-Start that would hold up to the wicked heat, sun (UV), and the harsh surface that it would be stretched across. So far, several season of use on this particular high start have shown no signs of damage. Also, the rubber seems to have a greater capacity to stretch than other high starts that I have owned over the past 20 years.

Justin

[WGH]

Most noticeable is the very consistent pull it has all through the launch, cheaper rubber has an explosive release but then looses its pull very quickly. I use the 2 meter competition rubber and it launches my BOT with authority.

[aeajr]

aeajr,

I use a Hose Monster to drag my open class ships into the air. My 90+ ounce Genie and my 80+ ounce Shadow go up the line with ease, even on windless days. I fly from a dirt and rock field (the CASL field in Gilbert, AZ) and wanted a High-Start that would hold up to the wicked heat, sun (UV), and the harsh surface that it would be stretched across. So far, several season of use on this particular high start have shown no signs of damage. Also, the rubber seems to have a greater capacity to stretch than other high starts that I have owned over the past 20 years.

Justin

Which model do you use to launch those heavy ships? Is it the same one that launches your open class?

Since Hosemonster is so different from other surgical tube hi-starts, I don't really understand how they size them.

I have two hi-starts and have used maybe 4 others, so tat is my point of reference. Hosemonster rubber is solid, as I understand it, so I have nothing to compare it to.

[aeajr]

Thanks guys. This is great info.

[birdofprey]

You know, I am not sure about which model it is. I contacted Mark Mech, and told him what I was needing to launch, and he picked the right one for me. It is perfect, and I could not be happier!!! I own only one high start, and I launch my heavy ships on it. I also have launched my 2M Sagita on it as well, but it has a strong wing, and I do not do a full pull. It is one of his heavy duity high starts.

The Hose Monster rubber is tube, not solid.

I'll look to see if I have an e-mail from Mark telling me what rubber he choose for me, but the e-mail may not still exist (it was a few years ago)....
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Edit: I found the info, and checked back to the aerofoam website to make sure, and I am using the Unlimited (4 meter) 1/8"ID x 5/32" in 2-50ft. sections with connectors.

Very happy with it.

I have launched on the 3-meter rubber as well and had no problems, but when I use balast, I like the extra pull of the 4-meter rubber. I have launched as heavy as 120 ounces on the 4-meter with no problem.

Justin

[Tim Jonas]

good info....I'll provide some feedback when I get mine.