Just flew home a RANS S7S for another person. He bought it with 8.50 smoothies and it has the Roberts gear installed. Nice plane! I have been flyng for nearly 40 years and its the very first time I used an auto pilot!! Bouncy windy day and I hit the button....WOW is all I can say. I might have to install one.

Okay, on to the question at hand, The owner wants to upgrade to either 26/29" Airstreaks or the Aero Classic 27.5" smoothies. The price difference is considerable. He understands that he will need to purchase larger wheels for the Aero Classics since they need an 8" wheel.

I've used the 8.50 smoothies, 26" and 29" Airstreaks. While I prefer the 29's, the cost factor and the concerns when landing on asphalt with the AkBushwheel Airstreaks which can get excessive wear/damage, are very valid. Looking for other options.

Has anyone used both? Reviews?

Hey Keith,
Have not had the pleasure of flying the airstreaks, but i did have an S-7 with the Roberts gear and the airclassics, loved the setup. After flying cessna spring gear for 15 years, what a difference. Never had a bad landing on it, and the airclassics held up well. had to land on asphalt quite a few times, never saw any significant wear. I know Randy hates the roberts gear because of what they do to the weight and balance, and the added drag, but i am a fan.


As you can see, plenty of prop clearance. For the difference in cash, i can't see a big enough advantage in the 29's


Sorry about the picture rotation, tech challenged
Chris

Thanks Chris! Really appreciate the help. How's life treating you in the SW?

Seems like a lot more tire choices in either 6" or 10", vs 8".