I just ordered mine from heliproz.com in the 30 and 60 size. I can't remember how much they cost, but they were cheap and they work really well. I built a mount for them so I just strap them to the skids and fly. They are tougher than the float things for kids and won't pop as easy. I do loops and rolls with them on and they seem to be fine. I don't think I would trust a dowel for gear to connect them. If they come apart and don't stay connected, thats a lot of money at the bottom of the lake.