26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

[akndrifter]

I'm debating on what tires to go with. Has anyone used both? I had the 26" Airstreaks on my old tcrate and they were a great tire, are the 29s worth the extra money?

[wyocubdriver]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

It is actually quite amazing how much of a difference that 29's make in the appearance of the airplane. I have flown off both of them on Carbon Cubs and they are both great tires. The 29's raise the nose more and change the sight picture and the geometry slightly.

Like I said before the 29's make a big difference in the appearance of the airplane.

[akndrifter]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

Looks are nice, I'm more concerned about the extra weight vs the extra cushion and other aspects affecting performance. The 8.50s I have right now don't look as cool for sure.

[wyocubdriver]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

Depending on how much air pressure you run in it, yes you will get more cushion out of the 29. Another aspect that I forgot to mention it does slow you down a bit. We see similar airspeeds with the 8.50's and the 26's, but the 29's probably slow your top end speed down by about 5+ miles per hour.

[Dick Smith]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

What size tailwheel are you running? Dick

[akndrifter]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

What size tailwheel are you running? Dick

A Scott.

[akndrifter]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

Well there are blem bushwheels for sale at Reeves for 20%, I ended up going with the 29s as I figured if I got the 26s I'd still want to upgrade to the 29s anyways. I'll have to give a pirep when I get them on!

[Dick Smith]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

Wade, I assume you mean a 3200 Scott...The 29's give you a fairly "steep" look upward...so a larger diam. tailwheel helps a bit to minimize the effect. I think I need to sharpen my wheel landings...on a narrow strip with trees on both sides, a 3 pointer, even all slowed up, has each eye looking sideways! Dick

[ifdale]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

I've been running 26" airstreaks for about a year and love them. Curious to know what you think about the 29s after moving up. What brakes do you have?

[ifdale]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

I've been using the 26" airstreaks for about a year and really like them. Curious to hear what you think about the 29's. What brakes do you have?

[PA1195]

Re: 26" Airstreaks vs 29" Airstreaks

I've run 8:00x6, 8:50x6, 8:00x4, 25x11x4, 26" Goodyear, and 26" Airstreaks on various aircraft. Never tried the 29's or larger as without substantial tail reinforcement and a large rear tire what's the operator going to do when they finally have to lower the tail and taxi around over rough terrain? Not saying they're without benefit just that if it's that rough or soft I don't go there.

I can barely see over the cowl in 3-pt with my current 26" Airstreaks even with an extra cushion and my head close to the skylight. With 29's or larger it'd be a guess as to what lies ahead. Plus the high AOA would further emphasize the need for adequate fuel in the main tank to prevent unporting.

Edit: Also consider the larger the tire diameter the greater the need for brake effectiveness, and the greater the amount of fuselage weight transferred to the tail when in a 3-pt attitude. My goal has been to maximize the tire's ground footprint consistent with tire size, weight, and AOA. I use them on soft soils and ice covered lakes more than on rough terrain.

But whatever looks good works best for some.

Gary