This is the message I sent to the Kitfox list at Matronics in reply to a query whether a person should switch over to the Grove Gear.

I started flying with the Grove gear, wheels and brakes a week ago on a Kitfox IV Speedster with 912UL. The original landing gear, consisting of fabric-covered welded tubes suspended with bungees, lousy brakes, one piece wheels and square shouldered trailer tires, was a squirrly beast on takeoff and landing, always wanting to dart off to the side.

After breaking a bungee on a bounced landing, I decided to change it. Now, it is all improved from the fuselage down, aluminum gear, real airplane wheels, excellent brakes and 6:00 x 6 airplane tires. It tracks straight taxiing (even with feet off the pedals), taking off, and landing. It is very stable. Land on one wheel and it will settle onto the other.

It is one piece, aligned straight when made. It is not wobbly like a Cessna 140's steel gear. It is easier to get in and out since it is not in the way as the tube gear was.

The Grove setup is a vast improvement. It tamed the little beast and I can go to tundra tires later if I want. I can't say whether it affected the speed but don't think so as it seems like it can still go pretty fast even without wheel pants. I haven't determined the weight difference yet, although we weighed the plane after installation. I have no reason to keep the steel gear any more.

John Allen 209-223-5705 - kitfoxfugit@yahoo.com