Not to whip a dead horse over the Bungee discussion, but I did find a chart (attached below) from SBC Industries who makes bungees for many aircraft and they show three different types for the Skybolt. The 1280 is not mentioned but the 13114, 1286HD and 12104 are. Oddly enough, each one of those is of a different size loop and weight rating. I would imagine a shorter loop would create a little more “pre-load” and possibly a stiffer initial feel before the gear leg starts to flex. I also spoke with Cheryl at Steen Aero Labs today and she said that for decades, the 12104GB is all they have sold based on their experience. She also said they’ve sold the 12104 which is of a synthetic rubber with less success and returned to the the natural rubber 12104GB which apparently wears better and lasts longer. After owning older German cars and motorcycles that used natural rubber, I’m a bit surprised to hear that. The natural always seemed to degrade sooner to me. Maybe the wrapped bungee loops behave differently. Or maybe she simply got it reversed but she did say they only stock the GB version. I’ve reached out to SBC for more clarification. I know it may seem like I’m making a big deal over this but with so many variants to the bungees and so much differing experience out there, I want to know all I can about the choices before I strap them on. I believe based on my aircraft records that the 1286 was the last installed on my machine and although the ride seems stiff to me, I’m a spring gear Cessna guy and I wouldn’t know what to compare them too. The 12104’s from Steen are 10.5” loops of the same diameter over the 8.75” 1286 loops. The larger loop may provide a smoother initial application during landing touch down or flexing. The 1286 is test rated 100lbs higher oddly enough though. I’ve broken down and listed the similar size loops that are recommended or that others have used or mentioned on the forum. I’ll list the Skybolt three options SBC mentioned first.
SBC Industries Bungees for Skybolt:
1286HD 3/4 x 8 3/4 1000lbs X4 180HP Engine
13114 13/16 x 11 1/4 800lbs X6
12104 3/4 x 10 1/2 900lbs X6
Other similar Bungees
1080 5/8 x 8 750lbs
1080HD 5/8 x 8 900lbs
1280 3/4 x 8 750lbs
1280HD 3/4 x 8 950lbs
1286 3/4 x 8 3/4 750lbs
1286HD 3/4 x 8 3/4 1000lbs
1380 13/16 X 8 1160 lbs
SBC Industries Bungees for Skybolt:
1286HD 3/4 x 8 3/4 1000lbs X4 180HP Engine
13114 13/16 x 11 1/4 800lbs X6
12104 3/4 x 10 1/2 900lbs X6
Other similar Bungees
1080 5/8 x 8 750lbs
1080HD 5/8 x 8 900lbs
1280 3/4 x 8 750lbs
1280HD 3/4 x 8 950lbs
1286 3/4 x 8 3/4 750lbs
1286HD 3/4 x 8 3/4 1000lbs
1380 13/16 X 8 1160 lbs
