I have to agree with JeffinTD. I'd rather the landing gear do it's job and take all the shock instead of tearing out the bottom of the plane. That's why landing gear has nylon or small metal bolts so they will shere off on impact and save the bottom of the plane. king_arthur1953, didn't realize you were flying at an abandoned crop field. I'd say your on your own there and if you go home with a plane with no damage then it's a good day. I still have to say that your average flyer at your average field really doesn't need the reinforcement on the gear. Your flying site is the exception to the rule.