solid lines

I am thinking about getting some solids. Would .014 solid be the best substitute for .015 braided? What are the advantages of solids?

Per AMA, solid line size is .012 for .1526 CID to .4028 CID engines. See:

http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/PDF-files/Rulebook/cline3.pdf

Whether you should use solids depends greatly on where you fly. Solids tend to stick together in humid conditions. They are also VERY intolerant of careless handling. (Easy to kink, and exceptionally easy-to-break following a kink.)

John,
Unless you are an high scoring Advanced or Expert class flyer, solids offer little or no advantage. Braided cables are much easier to take care of and fine for most flyers.
Solids offer the advantage of being able to use smaller diameter.014 instead of .018 for any engine over a .40. They stretch less so control will feel more solid. They need to be cleaned before every flight, as they tend to stick together if they get dirty or wet. They are absolute killers in wet weather.
Give yourself a break and stay away from the high maintenance, low reward solids.
Alan

To add to Ralph's comment: you should also clean your solid lines before every flight. We use 91% alcohol.

The .014 solids would be for larger models (.41 and up).

One advantage: I can feel the model out on the end of solids better and like the positive feeling of control.

Enjoy,

Ron King

I will add one further comment. Most of the top flyers have gotten away from solids. In the early days solids offered the advantage of less drag. Still do. However, with today's modern power plants, the extra drag of flexibles is easily overcome by the extra power and pull at the end of the lines. I, too, would recommend "Don't bother."

John,
Knowing where you fly and the high humidity here I would definitly NOT use silids. I have flown with both and the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Keep the .015 braideds and keep them as clean as possible too. We will still have to get together for some flying real soon.

Later,