ORIGINAL: pimmnz
You guys must really bash you retracts about, been using my Hobbicos in .60's, on grass, for over 10 years, still using the original sets. A little lube every now and then and the odd check and they seem to last forever, much longer than the airframes anyway.
Evan.
I actually have a few sets of Hobbico retracts on the shelve (mains only) which I will use...I have had a set on my Ultra Sport 40 which is about 22 (+) years old with hundreds of landings....The Hobbico retracts are just now needing to be replaced as the plastic where the gear leg mounts into is cracking...but 20+ years of service is pretty good IMHO...So I'd defiantly suggest there is nothing really wrong with the Hobbico Retracts...
I will say with my Ultra Sport the retracts developed some minor "play" right off the bat...Never got allot worse...Although I tried to adjust the set screw (down stop)...I've never got rid of the play...It's never opposed a "problem" from my standpoint...Not sure how a nose gear retract would be as mine are only the mains...
But for me personally....Since I'm gonna have to buy more retracts to outfit planned airplanes...And I kinda like Kewl stuff...I think I'll step it up a notch in quality...It's just a personal decision...Having seen the Dave Brown retracts and knowing a higher quality set of retracts exists....I've decided that's what I want....No real "Performance" justification involved...It ain't that I got a bunch of money (cause I don't)...It's just I would rather spend My Money on stuff I feel is quality...I happen to like aluminum parts better than plastic...It's just me...It would be nice if these retracts don't develop the play I see with my Hobbico's...
Granted you could buy three or four sets of these for one set of DB or B&D retracts:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXL406&P=ML
I suppose each individual has to decide what they want to spend their money on...
Have fun...
Chuck