Actually that is not my Evolis, but I am getting a pair of them, I only posted that pic to show what they looked like. Anyways, I do prefer fixed gear, it does provide more knife edge authority over fixed gear. That is truly the only difference that I could distinguish from flying fixed vs retracts. I like them more for the convience, I can taxi easily, they are simple to use, less likely to have problems (gear are always down !!!). The one major drawback is if you have to land in the rough due to an engine out or whatever you are in trouble, chances are you will cause significant damage to your plane. This is the reason I recommend retracts to newer guys that are not so convinved that they will hit the field 100% of the time.