I have an early model BVM viper with the BVM carbine fiber retracts and was wondering how well these units hold up to a less then perfect landing.
Would I be better off upgrading to all aluminum retracts for the extra strength.

Please tell me your opinion.

Thanks,Roger

Hey Roger,

The old carbon fiber retracts actually worked pretty well. As time went on BV upgraded a few parts to aluminum for more strength. The downlock link and strut block were the two main upgrades which made life great.

If you were to upgrade to some solid aluminum units keep in mind the flex plates are designed to break away as well. By doing this it of course brings the possibility of damage to the wing to a minimum. I would upgrade to the aluminum parts and go with it. The system worked well as designed.

Thanks for the reply John.

Thats kinda what I was thinking, that the downlock link
and the strut block were the weak parts of these retracts.

Any one out there have a set of these that have the upgraded
aluminum parts, that would be willing to sell them?

Thanks, Roger