On Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 6:39:33 AM UTC-4, wrote:
I should have added, we also install a "Whiffle" ball (lots of holes) on the glider end to protect the tow ring and also have a short length of clear plastic tubing (couple of feet more or less) that covers the poly rope. This clear tubing slides easily on the rope so it can be inspected.

Tom

Tom,

Is there an ideal location of the whiffle ball? When I saw your comment I got to thinking if there is an ideal distance from the tow ring. Our club has one on out tow rope but I have not measured the location of it.

I was speaking to someone a few weeks ago about tow ropes and they also use plastic tubing in the loop splice. But after cutting the tubing they melt the sharp edges to round them over with a soldering iron to prevent the tubing from chaffing the line.

Speaking of weak links: I was given some glider gear from a friend that her father passed away last year. In the stuff was a home made weak link. I tossed it away, but it was a length of poly with clear plastic tubing over it and fishing line weaved through it several times. I guess the fishing line test was known and the number of weaves made the strength of the weak link. I'm sure he had tested the break strength of them before using. And I'm sure he made those way before anything commercial was available. Anyone ever seen or heard of a weak link like that?