Maule or Matco tailwheel

[109JB]

So I have a flying kitfox with a Matco tailwheel, and a project kitfox with a Maule tailwheel. I'm trying to decide which one to keep on my final airplane. Looking for opinions as to which is best based on perfomance, maintenance, longevity, adjustment etc.

Thanks

[jrthomas]

STP62284.jpgI removed the Maule and replaced it with the Matco WHLT-8L. It's been great. My model 4 kit came with the Maul but I never flew with it. I'm sure it would have done just fine but it had a solid tire and looked about as appealing as a brick. The Matco was a little lighter so that helped with CG. And it's pretty!

[109JB]

Would really like technical opinions, preferably from someone familiar with both. Looks isn't really a factor as far as I'm concerned. I'm more performance oriented.

[jrthomas]

OK. Well I'll try again. I've flown 2 other Kitfoxes both with Maule tailwheels and a couple of Cubs. I really couldn't tell the difference. Since the Maule is solid you'll be able to feel every crack in the pavement. Other than that I don't think I could tell any real difference. They both work the same. If you want to know why I changed mine, I had read that some people believed that the Maule had been known to unlock on landing and had caused accidents. I never had any such problem. I do much prefer the softer tire on the Matco.

[Av8r3400]

Having flown both I wouldn't give $.02 for a Maul tailwheel.

[109JB]

Can you elaborate?

[buckchop]

I have a Matco single arm 6" tailwheel id sell for $100 plus u pay shipping,( like the one in Jrthomas pic's)
i bought it from Jim, came off his Christavia kit he bought, never been flow, only taxied around on and i took it off and installed a baby bush wheel for snow floatability and i need a liitle more weight on the tail.

[jrthomas]

[QUOTE=buckchop;90709]I have a Matco single arm 6" tailwheel id sell for $100 plus u pay shipping,( like the one in Jrthomas pic's)
Mine is the 8" model but the 6" should work just fine. And you'll never have a better opportunity at that price. It looks like everyone is either indifferent about the Maule or hates it. If they have an "ugly contest" the Maule wins. If I had it to do over I'd probably buy the 8" wide tire version.

[Kmcman]

I have a Matco single arm 6" tailwheel id sell for $100 plus u pay shipping,( like the one in Jrthomas pic's)
i bought it from Jim, came off his Christavia kit he bought, never been flow, only taxied around on and i took it off and installed a baby bush wheel for snow floatability and i need a liitle more weight on the tail.

Do you still have the Matco for sale? Looking to replace my Maule Tailwheel.

[efwd]

Hmm, I like John. He's a digger. Cummon Larry. Let's hear it.