phlexible phenolic vs. phenolic body tubes

[rocketsonly]

Cast your votes. What do you all prefer? Advantages, disadvantages?
Thanks.

 

[jetra2]

Although I've never used it, this is what I am told.

Phenolic:

Strong, yet cracks easily since it is very brittle. It's still liable to cracking even with glassing - but it's your best choice of material for MMT tubing for most HPR motors up to L or M.

Phlexible Phenolic:

Not as brittle as regular phenolic because it is half paper tube, half phenolic, in essence. The layers are alternated as the tube is laid up.

HTH,
Jason

 

[lalligood]

I'll throw Giant Leap's microseam phenolic into the mix. Same as PML's phenolic except the seam is considerably smaller--meaning it should be much easier to get a smooth finish. It's about the same price as PML's as well.

Phlexible phenolic seems to be a kinder, gentler phenolic Seams are huge but it definitely seems to be a good middle ground between paper & phenolic tubes. FWIW, when you cut it, you can clearly see how far the resin is impregnated into the paper from each side. Neat stuff.