John - WA9ALS asked:
"How do Kevlar and EHS compare as far as ice accumulation?"
I have no experience with Kevlar or any polymer guys, so I cannot speak
from experience. However, I believe the smoother surface would shed
water more readily, and also results in less area on which ice can form.
Thus 1/2" of radial ice on Kevlar guys should weigh less than 1/2" radial
ice on EHS if both guys are of equal diameter. I do not know if Kevlar
guys are larger or smaller than EHS of equal rating. I do know that ice
can form quickly on the vertical glass of my car windows...so I expect it
would also form on Kevlar guys. I also believe that the smoother surface
of the Kevlar guys might allow accumulated ice to slide down more
readily...perhaps before it had accumulated to the point of putting the
guy terminations at risk.
Hopefully someone reading this can share factual information, rather than
having to rely on my "gut" feeling.
Very 73,
Dave -K9FN-
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