RE: Spring Air Retract Identification
I dont know that theres an advantage. More asthetics than anything else, at least to me. How much does your US1000 weigh? I've used the 106hd on 14lb cmp spitfires. You can use oleos on the ones you have just by using a 3/16" pin (about 2" long). The oleo would need to have a plug setup for 3/16" with set screws to hold it. I did that so it would act as a fuse, sorta. The 3/16" rod would bend instead of taking out the whole retract mount. Spring-air also sells retracts strut ready. I've used those too. Your call.
Edwin