Sean, You could be right about the surface area being harder & the line therefore stronger - interestingly enough, the original control data came from an American manufacturer - I think it was 'Ande' or something similar and showed almost exactly the same tendency. When I came to update the tables I coudn't find the web site again so used the Bayer data. Should have updated the article to show this but forgot.
The bags of sugar were used only initially to calculate the average number of pulses per kilo. They worked out within 1% of the indicated reading on the tubular scales & were adjusted accordingly.
The line was attached at both ends by friction devices, actually wrapped around a few times(without any overlapping of the line), then a rubber sleeve pushed on, not very elegant maybe, but worked just fine. If there was any tendency to slip I just put a few more turns on. The line whether hi tec or normal always broke approx in the middle of the stressed length.
I only had the one spool of Preston Power line and was very impressed with it, both when tested & in use. I bought it at the same time as the 2 spools of 'Carptec'.I only purchased the Preston 'cos they didn't have the dia of 'Carptec' that I wanted. going on the info on the spool the Carptec appeared to be the better line, if you look at my data you'll see that the Preston is head & shoulders better.
I had a lot of problems with knots when I first started using the hi tech stuff (Dam Tectan) but I started using an electrical lubricant (for lubing insulating sleeves etc) before tying the knot - this was mainly to stop the curly bit you sometimes get when using a spade end knot tyer. I found that the lubricant (which is the only oil that will dry out completely) apparently had a slight adhesive effect. Subsequently I don't think I ever had a hook link fail again at either the hook or the loop - if it broke it was always about halfway between knot & loop. It's one of the many things I want to include in future tests. I've since run out of the original stuff & started to use RS electrical lubricant but feel that it's not as good as the original. If anyone can put me on to a supply of the original I'd be grateful. PM me off list & I'll give you the makers name etc. Also if anyone wants the original data on spreadsheets email me off list. The originals are a lot easier to follow, Graham & I had to cut them about a bit to get them into a suitable format to display. on FM. BTW I'm using the RS stuff on my braids for lure fishing & it seems to make the uni knots I use a lot more reliable. (That'll be another future test)
Rik, couldn't agree more about Stretch & shockability - very important but difficult to test. Anyway I don't see any relationship between such tests as the
controlled rubbing of the line on a brick and a situation where you have a
tight line pulling down onto a sharp flint, or when a well anchored mussel
has closed on your line when you strike. I think that the question of shockability is directly linked to the amount of stretch in the line, the reason why most of us that use braids choose two or three times the BS.
This reply seems to have turned into an article in its own right - have to finish there as 'er downstairs is shouting " Dinner - now"