I know there’s an older threads discussing Beringer wheelset/brakes and the complexities of installing them, but now that they’re offered as a standard option for the TSi and HW models, I assume the installation process is streamlined and well-documented.
There seems to be a lot of excitement around Beringer. They’re highlighted on Sling’s website, and I’ve seen numerous references to them in Sling’s YouTube videos. As I consider this option for my TSi build, I’ve been trying to weigh the pros and cons of choosing Beringer over the stock Matcos. After doing some research and reading through the specs, here’s my high-level understanding of the trade-offs:
Pros of Beringer:
- Superior Braking Performance & Anti-Skid Functionality: Beringer systems provide more balanced braking, improving directional control during landing and taxiing, which can be a significant advantage in certain conditions.
- Reduced Weight: While Beringer brakes/wheel are lighter than stock configuration, the difference is only a few pounds, so weight savings may not be a major consideration for most pilots.
- Durability & Longevity: Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and advanced composites, Beringer offer exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. They’re designed to reduce maintenance frequency and long-term costs, with fewer parts that wear out over time compared to traditional braking systems.
- Sleek Design & Cool Engineering: Beringer are visually appealing, often anodized in colors like red or black. They add a high-performance aesthetic to the aircraft, which could be attractive to those who appreciate well-engineered components.
- Cost: The initial cost is high—my last quote was around $8,000. While Beringer brakes require less frequent maintenance, the maintenance costs are higher compared to Matcos, which could be a significant consideration for some.
- Accessibility & Availability: Unlike more common systems (like Matcos), finding parts or qualified A&Ps to service Beringer brakes could be more challenging, especially in remote locations. This might lead to delays or difficulties if you’re stranded somewhere.
While I’m still evaluating my options, here are the factors I’ve been thinking about:
- Economics: It’s possible that Beringer brakes may offer a better total cost of ownership (TCO) over time, but it’s unclear when that crossover point occurs. I imagine it would take several years before the increased initial cost is offset by lower maintenance costs.
- Safety: Beringer brakes certainly offer enhanced performance, which could improve safety. However, from my research, it seems that brake failures are rarely a major factor in general aviation accidents. In the few cases I found, lack of maintenance seemed to be the main cause.
- Mission Efficacy: My primary mission is cross-country flying. I’m not sure how much the performance benefits of Beringer brakes will improve this mission. Better reliability is a plus, but the potential difficulty in accessing parts and finding familiar A&Ps may be a downside for long-distance travel.
- Cool Engineering: As an engineer, I love well-designed and manufactured components. This is partly why I chose Sling—it’s a modern aircraft with high-tech components like the Rotax engine and Garmin avionics. Beringer aligns well with this philosophy. However, since we’re using wheel covers, the visual appeal of the brakes might be less relevant to me.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Why are you excited about Beringer wheelset/brakes ?
Looking forward to your feedback!
Stathis
