Best way to preserve a high start from from UV rays

[mobay]

I recently purchased 100" of latex rubber from Hobby Lobby. It supposedly is impregnated with a wax that protects it from UV radiation.

I've had bad luck with high starts not lasting more than about a year , but Hoobby Lobby claims that this one will last "for many seasons"?

Has anyone any opinions on what is the best way to preserve high start latex rubber? Baby powder, Armor All, Silicone, voodoo magic ????

Thanks

[slopemeno]

Storing it out of the sun in a paper bag seems to help, but at some level you have to accept that a high start is semi-expendable. I got about five seasons out of an "upstart" from HOB and I was happy with that. When the tubing gave up the ghost I went to my local surgical supplier and replaced it.

[Mark Miller]

Do not use anything on it. They will attack Latex and degrade it. The best thing is to keep them out of the sun in a cool dry place. they will last for years but eventually they will die. Armor All, Silicone and such products are made to be used on plastic and man made rubbers.

Mark

[mobay]

Good advice. Unfortunately the very nature of having a brillant sunlight day with the high-start on the groung for several hours , I'm sure is not good. Maybe someone should selll High-Start sunblocker!

Thanks for the replies so far

[dr.E]

Talcum powder...... Store in cat litter........

[Curare]

I keep mine in the cupboard in a carboard box.

It'll keep for years! Provided I never use it!

Unfortunately that is the way of the hi start, if you use it, you lose it.

But given the amount of launches you'll see, it's not bad economy still.

[OVSS Boss]

I have a red tube one that is the same rubber that HL sells that is years old, at least ten. Just kept in the shop and made sure when i roll it up that I had all the tension off it. No talc, no bags, just clean and relaxed.

marc

[dr.E]

Beware of using it when its too cold outside...this definitelly kills the rubber

[emersunn]

For long term storage use a Dry bag (like a giant ziplock) - maybe throw a damp sponge in there, the rubber needs moisture, from what I have read.

http://www.rei.com/product/47901068.htm

[daveosoar]

Keep it in a black plastic bag (bin bag in the UK). No Uv. The damp sponge may be necessary in AZ but not, sadly, in this country. Winter damp is already in my bones even we got to nearly 80f for one day this last summer. Best temp today 10C, considered mild even in metric. Tonight were expecting gales of 70-80Knots. I dont think i'll fly tomorrow!
Dave.