Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

How much noticable difference is there when using the two servos for control surfaces. I have several 3003's. The only difference in the two is the second ball bearing. For most sport flying and a little ocasional 3d manuvers, would these be ok to use. Or would upgrading them to the 3004 make a big difference?

RE: Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

From what I understand, the only difference between teh two, is that teh top bearing is metal balls in the 3004, and a plastic sleeve (bushing) in the 3003. I also understand that the 3004 is now replacing all the 3003 in teh standard flight packs and Tx packages; becomming 'the standard'. (Which replaced all teh 148s at one point...)

Personally, I don't really see / feel a difference, other than the 'Oooh bearings' factor. One is as good as another.

Use them where-ever you wish, just make sure they're balanced ( use two 3004s - one in each wing... instead of one 3003 and one 3004. Just in case there is an actual difference.. but doubtful)

RE: Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

It would make for an odd flight to have one dragging a little slower than the other. I did see where a person can order an upgrade kit, just a bearing with a new servo top that says "3004" Its like about 13.00 but that is bearings and tops for 4 servos, the cost of just a single new 3004 servo.

RE: Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

I've been using nylon bushed servos for years and years in .40-sized and smaller sport planes, and I still use them, and they work just fine. Though with BB servos coming down in price so much, I now have a mix of types. You really have to be pushing things for you to start to notice the difference, and I frequently forget what is where. I do agree that you should match servos on things like duel aileron servos, but I mix and match in planes all the time, like having 4 differnet brands of servos in the same plane. (Had a JR, Hitec, GWS, and Hobico). (only downside is that it makes keeping spare parts straight a royal PITA. Why can't they all use the the same @#$@ spline diameter and tooth pitch?!?)

RE: Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

The cost difference in the 3003 vs the 3004... may as well get the 3004. (its only a couple dollars a servo...)

The ball bearing gives less play at the output shaft. A very good thing for Flutter prevention. If that were the only difference it is worth the extra cost. But the ball bearing also has just a bit less friction... so the servo travels just a bit faster and gives JUST A LITTLE crisper response. (you gotta be really good to see the difference in flight...)

Match the servos used for ailerons if using 2 servos. and as you get replacement servos... go with the 3003 over the 3004.

RE: Futaba 3003 vs 3004
 

I already have six or seven 3003's. I also found a couple Futaba SX 100's in my box. I think those came out of a car, but at most I would only use those for throttle servos. I think I will just use those if there is no slack in the output spline, from the bushing being worn out. Later I will just get all digital servos at one time.