Prop, thanks for the link. I called Central Hobbies and ordered some carbon fiber materials. The links and ball clevises are pricey, too, but justified over the long haul--I'm hoping. I NEVER want to worry about a silicone rubber tubing to secure my clevises. I just replaced ANOTHER today. The cost can be written off if you can use the clevises in later birds. If you go through several Can Dos, the linkages can be used over and over. That makes the cost worth it.

From what the guy said, the carbon fiber rods will survive a nose in balsa plant at 40 mph. He wasn't sure about 50 mph--MY usual speed going in.

J