I have two JJs 1200 and 1400. I have found them to be good little turbines. I also find joy when mine start and some other guys are cursing other brands that cost at least twice as much when they don't start. I know several others who also own them and they are also happy. They require no more maintenance or repairs than any other turbine I am aware of. My 1400 in particular has been in a Red Arrows Hawk, the motor ran great but the plane was %$#@#@(plane has gone to heaven, motor survived). The other guys I know with JJs have used them in The Mk1 Rookie, Reaction 54 and the small Facet. I had problems with the factory pump but was told by Joe that these are only recommended for bench testing. As for the stiffness in the bearings, mine does this when you manually spin the spinner but it is the preload tensioner. I am eagerly awaiting the 1800 model and hope that Joe gets moving with even bigger turbines. I wish him all success.