I cut it off when it is new and replace it old black hydro. All I do to tie the hydro on is to use an overhand knot but pulled very, very tight. Seems to work well most of the time but it is worth looking at the knots before each cast and leaving a bit of an tag end on the elastic.

I change all my Preston methods to have black or purple hydro. I found it best to cut off the plastic loop part which the elastic is supposed to be tied to, and attaching the hydro to the top loop where the swivol clip goes. Then using some 5mm Korda tubing just pass the stem of the method up the tubing, it leaves a real neat method and you have twice the length of elastic through the method.

As for the knot to attach the elastic, I have no idea what the proper name for it is, but I learnt it by unlocking the knot on a Kobra method and copying it. It’s actually a real simple knot, and will never come undone.

I’ve tried doubled up number 8 through a few methods at Barston for F1’s, but it bottoms out way too easily as soon as you hook a proper carp.

You may find this feature useful (though not a Preston method)

https://www.total-fishing.com/Features.aspx?Category=coarse&ID=How_To_Change_Your_Method_Feeder_Elastic

That’s the exact knot, thanks Hotshot!

Cheeky
🙂