Who makes the best set of brakes out there ?

I have only the TRIM brakes (and wheels) on my 17 pound Reaper, when I touch down (even a little hot) and apply brakes I am stopped in less than 30 feet.

I have used them also for abborted take off, stopped the jet immediately!

They work. Easy to install and adjust. Cheaper than the rest. Excellent workmanship. Excellent service from GNM.

AJC

what size wheels are you using in your reaper? Do you fly from grass or pavement? I am finishing my reaper and need to order some Trim brakes but was not sure if I should get the 2.6" or the 3".

Gene

I am using the 83mm (3.25") for the mains and the 78mm (3") for the nose wheel.

I fly from short mowed grass. I went with larger wheels since our field is kinda' rough.

ANdrew

Also, the smaller wheels will brake even stronger, as there is less leverage force trying to turn the wheel when locked up. Mine will hold back my 12 pound Wren 54 at full throttle. I pump up my tank to 120 psi.

Andrew

Hi Gents

I believe there area couple of people also using 3" mains and 2.6" nose wheel combination on their Reapers.

Ed

I like either the BVM or the trim brakes. I own two sets of intairco wheels and brakes and they are just too hard, do not help soften the shock to the the U/C in the event of a hard landing and they sound like a shopping trolly going down the runway but should be ok on grass. The one thing in there favor is that after 100+ flights off tarmac they still show the tread patern!

jason

Pretty hard to beat BVM. Well tried and tested over a long period of time. Very good rubber too.

Glennis brakes are the best

From postings that I have read here they are somewhat finicky to set up - is this true?

I am also under the impression Trim brakes are same style as BVM but cheaper in price. I have not owned BVM brakes but I can say the trim ones are very very well machined, and the control valve is super easy to set up and works well.

AJC

Hey Andrew,

Might have asked you this in a previous posting, did you apply any lubrication to the o-rings to increase the variability in the braking?

I used some of Dean W's mystery grease at Princeton, didn't get the brand name though. I'm pretty happy with the performance and I'll probably use the Trim's again on my next project.

Kelly

I cant remember! I think I may have smeared a bit of this synthetic grease on them but I really cant remember, that was back in May!

Andrew

Hi Kelly/Andrew

The best thing you can use is a silicone based o-ring lube by Parker. You can get it through BVM or you should be able to find it a your local industrial supply or hydraulics supplier.

Ed