Aircraft in question is an experimental PA11 that needs 6" wheels and will have 29" air streaks. Empty weight 800lb, 1.25" axles. Will be flown in Alaska doing Alaska things.

Grove has a magnesium set of 6" wheels with double puck calipers that weigh 8.36lb per side and cost $3700. Seems like a home run, but thought it prudent to ask around before pulling the trigger.

Those carbon fiber wheels on barnstormers that use Beringer brakes and axles are awesome, but not compatible here without lots of money and custom work.

Have you looked at Beringer? I'm actually doing a similar search as you in trying to find the lightest wheel/brake combo for an experimental.

For the weight savings on little PA18 wheels, have you considered eating prunes and use it the facilities before the flight?

Or

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fitness-Swea ... /571820316

Correct me if I’m wrong, but kinda small potatoes…but don’t eat those as you’ll gain weight

Seems the major factor is skill vs a few pounds, I’d wager thousands in gas and instruction would pay off multipliers over fancy wheels

Lots of the winners of these competitions are kinda big, I don’t think a few pounds is a big factor

I'm not out to win any STOL competitions, but I am trying to keep a plane without flaps and a small engine as light as possible. Adopting the attitude that a few pounds here and there don't matter is how these planes end up being pigs with a 200lb useful load.

If the plane had 6" Clevelands, I wouldn't drop $4K to save 4 pounds. Since it has 4" wheels and I'd like to use airstreaks, the wheels need replaced anyway. Hence, seeking the lightest 6" wheel/brake combo since they have to be purchased anyway

WWhunter wrote:Have you looked at Beringer? I'm actually doing a similar search as you in trying to find the lightest wheel/brake combo for an experimental.

First place I looked. The weights are pretty much a wash with the Groves and switching to a totally different style of brake and master didn't seem worth it

They do have wheels and brakes that are considerably lighter, but they're not designed for cub axles

You mentioned these guys

https://www.barnstormers.com/classified ... SET-5.html

https://en.maviidaenerji.com/projeler




Looking at their site seems they also make some normal brake wheels too

I think the only ones in the picture that don't have Beringer style brakes are nose wheels. I had emailed them and they indicated that the mains all use the tapered axle as well

These guys make lots of carbon stuff, maybe they make wheels or know someone?

https://propeller.mozello.com/

Surprised the other shop doesn’t make more common wheels in carbon, seems to be limiting their own market

zmjatc wrote:I'm not out to win any STOL competitions, but I am trying to keep a plane without flaps and a small engine as light as possible. Adopting the attitude that a few pounds here and there don't matter is how these planes end up being pigs with a 200lb useful load.

If the plane had 6" Clevelands, I wouldn't drop $4K to save 4 pounds. Since it has 4" wheels and I'd like to use airstreaks, the wheels need replaced anyway. Hence, seeking the lightest 6" wheel/brake combo since they have to be purchased anyway

The best way to do things zmjatc. When you need to make a change or upgrade, you might as well go get the latest/lightest gear that you can afford. I try my hardest to not just go buy new fancier stuff, just to buy new fancier stuff. But, when my old 1990's era 'lightweight' SBS-J16 under seat cub battery kicked the bucket, you can bet I replaced it with the newest 'lightweight' EarthX for an additional 10lb savings.

I wanted to mention. I believe the Mavi Ida Enerji folks had a booth near the ultralight section at Osh last year. I was able to chat with the folks and hold in hand several sizes of their wheels. The rep there really seemed to know his stuff and I have to say, their carbon products looked very well made and had a very professional feel and finish. It is a bummer they only build to the Beringer style setup. We did ask about a 10" wheel for 35's, to which they said they were thinking about it.

zmjatc wrote:Adopting the attitude that a few pounds here and there don't matter is how these planes end up being pigs with a 200lb useful load

+1

Couldn't agree more. Hard to make a simple point here these days as some just like make noise and be contrarian.

Keep us posted as to what you find.

Too bad you don't have 1.5" axles. I'd recommend going with these, especially if you haven't got the tires yet. https://www.madcustomcubs.com/product-page/atv-hub-kit

If you want to save a few bucks look for a set of used 1 1/4 Cleveland six bolt magnesium wheels with double puck brakes. They would be more common in Alaska. I believe the weight is the same or a few ounces lighter as grove is a direct knockoff. I run them and they stop a 35in bushwheel just fine. If you can't find them the groves would be my choice also. Several Grove, Cleveland, ABW parts have the same dimensions and can be swapped which is important if you are in a remote spot. Having a one off part is fine if next day FedX is available so I would not recommend a single source carbon fiber wheel.
DENNY