Pre-Glassed Phenolic Tube VS Full Fiberglass Tube

[Mustang67]

Can someone tell me what are the benefits of Pre-Glassed Phenolic Tubes VS Full Fiberglass Tubes?

I would imagine Pre-Glassed Phenolic is heavier than Full Fiberglass, but is Pre-Glassed more durable or stronger than Full Fiberglass?

(Using 6" tubing for both as an example)

 

[rharshberger]

Its my understanding tha the reason for glassing phenolic is to offset its brittleness as it tends to crack/break on a hard landing. Full FG tubes would be both stronger and more duable.

 

[lawndartman]

Glassed phenolic tubes are lighter than glass tubes. Also folks like to glass their own. Both for cost and skill... I know a Glass Master, next to him I am but 'grasshopper'.

 

[Mustang67]

I realized I had some scrap 6" dia pieces of both, one was 12" long and one 15" long. Sent them down 12 wooden steps of stairs to the basement, like a slinky. The Pre-glass cracked and chipped on the edge of the tube. The full fiberglass appears to be fine.

 

[Mustang67]

Glassed phenolic tubes are lighter than glass tubes. Also folks like to glass their own. Both for cost and skill... I know a Glass Master, next to him I am but 'grasshopper'.

Interesting, I would have thought glass tubes would have been lighter.