ORIGINAL: DragonHeart
Hi
Just a quickie, are Air retracts any stronger than Mechanical retracts ? i dont need scale appereance or anything like that i just want them to hold up, but ive heard good and bad things about both............. (i would rather go with Mechanical as thier cheap and if they muck up can just by another set) and Air retracts over in the uk are pricey.............
What do u guys think ???????????
Flying off grass? Makes a big difference with retracts.
I have used retracts only on one plane. I fly off grass. .40 size mechanical retracts. The takeoffs and landings (even when "gentle"), are often enough to bend the gear struts by more than 1/4 inch. On my plane that means the wheels fo not retract the whole way, and the retract servo binds, and the battery (potentially) drains. I have to check and often bend the gear after every flight. They are a PITA. Next time around I would buy more sturdy retracts, or go with fixed gear.
The bonus of air retracts is as follows: The gear struts are normally stronger (bend less). There is no battery drain if the gear does not retract fully.
gus