[TowerTalk] Garolite

[Stan Stockton]

I am working on a 40M antenna project and want to split the driven element for sure and perhaps insulate all the elements from the boom.  

I noticed that W3LPL and others are using Garolite LE.  According to the specs I read it has a tensile strength of 14,100 PSI lengthwise and  10,400 PSI crosswise.  He mentioned several years ago that he did not use the Garolite for 40M elements because it was not strong enough.  

Looking at McMaster Carr Garolite Grade 11 is 58,600 PSI lengthwise and 41,900 PSI crosswise - about 4 times stronger than LE..  It is about twice the price.  GP03 Electrical Grade Fiberglass is about half the price of Garolite LE and seems to be about the same strength.

If anyone has experience or knows the difference in all these materials and whether there are significant differences in how well they hold up in the environment, I would appreciate knowing.

The other question is whether to insulate all elements or only the driven element.  Anyone know the pros and cons?

Thanks...Stan