KBDD Gear - Disappointed, a problem, and a question.

[ErikIL77]

I purchased three sets of the KBDD skids and two did not last one flight. I was practicing hovering in a nice flat area and never crashed the heli, but both sets broke off at the front post. The worst case I had was a bumpy landing. To make matters worse the second set broke off right at the edge of the post hole. I was barely able to grip it with a precision needle nose and it stretched the material.

So I have two questions as a result.

1. Any idea how I can get the broken post out without damaging the frame?

2. The fit seemed very tight on the KBDD, do I need to do anything to the posts to get the gear to fit properly? It seems as bending as the material is, it should not have broken so easily. The posts seem to fight in very very tightly and I have a feeling that is stressing the material.

[Bee_random]

I recently had exactly the same issue. The LHS have taken them back.

The reports on the forum here say that early production skids were very brittle and that the problem has been corrected now... Send them back to KBDD.

I used a sharp knife to get the pegs out.

[UKHeliBob]

Several methods of getting the broken post out :

1. Lever it out with a pin
2. Drill carefully into it with a small (1mm) drill until it bites then pull it out
3. Heat a needle, push it into the broken pin, let the plastic go solid as pull the needle and pin out.

Sorry, I don't have the KBDD skids so cannot help with fitting them. Do the manufacturers not offer any advice ?

[ErikIL77]

Thanks for the quick replies, I will give this a go with the needle or a drill.

And no, the skids came in a basic parts bag. I was not able to find any info about having to mod the skids. I have no idea if they are from the first batch or not.

[dynodude]

I just ordered two sets from Value RC. Is there any way to tell, other than crash and break, if they are first gen. skids?

[dasBlade450]

IIRC.....in an earlier post, KBDD was issuing a replacement for any skid found defective that was sold PRIOR TO 4/13/2012......I had a "first generation" white skid that was brittle....sent it back, got a replacement made with new plastic formulation....works great!!
Since then I've received 2 sets of the pink skids...they work great - and LOOK super!!

[aaronbru]

I have read on here that people shave off some material on the skid pegs to make them a little skinnier. I would use sanding paper. Conversly, last night I had to drill out the pegs on my stock skids because they snapped flush with the insertion hole.

After I drilled them I had a loose fit, so I coated the new landing gear pegs with some CA glue to make them a little thicker. That seemed to do the trick.

So too thick, trim. Too skinny, coat with CA

[bboy3050]

I've been using the colored landing skids with no problems. They are manufactured with a new material composition that seems more flexible.

I found this installation information on their Facebook page.

The skid lugs fit tight and are also tapered. The tight fit and the tapering are for the variances in the Frame holes either from the manufacturer or wear and tear. They are not meant to be pushed all the way in. Only push them in until they are nice and snug. In case of a shear force being applied on the skids causing the lugs to break, you still may have a small piece of the broken lug to ease the removal of the broken lug from the main frame.

[65L88]

The best way I've found to get the pin out of the frame post is to heat a needle and push it into the center of the pin, rocking it around so as to enlarge the top of the hole, then take a servo screw or a mounting screw for the 3 in 1 and turn it into the pin. Pull it out with a pair of needlenose pliers and you're good to go.

[burnoutboy]

What color were the skids that were breaking out of curiosity? I just got a pink set from ValueRC and a lime green set from another ebaY seller. I heard the colored ones are supposed to be better but I'm curious to see what you guys are finding. I alos have 2 sets of the low profile AirTime skids coming so I'm hoping all 4 (KBDD and AirTime)are pretty solid.

[Ah Clem]

Please contact KBDD directly on this issue they have the best customer service on the planet.

There are other threads on this forum, regarding this.

Some of the very early versions of the skids were having problems. In the reports I have seen of broken skids, I have only read of white ones with issues.

[Hoghunter7mm]

They sure look real sweet!! They keep getting better. I have used many of their products before on other helis and have really enjoyed them. We shall see....

[CousinLarry]

I got a set on 4/2 that were white, broke second flight in about 5 spots. hahaa

KBDD is sending new set, haven't received yet. I did since get an orange set but haven't tried them yet. Waiting on some parts to come in.

[ErikIL77]

I contacted them earlier today and they will be sending me replacements, very happy with their response time and will definatly deal with them again.

The ones I ordered were the white skids.

I pushed them in until they were snug, but did not force them in. My issue with that is the battery hangs under the canopy and the canopy presses down on the battery a bit. I'm guessing I can trim the bottom of the canopy to compensate, but we shall see once I get the new skids in.

[EGG_]

[QUOTE=ErikIL77;3908502]

1. Any idea how I can get the broken post out without damaging the frame?

QUOTE]

I use an fresh exacto knife and stab the point into the pin, dull side up and slide it out, ive done 3 or 4 that way...! The exacto knife gives good leverage.

[Hoghunter7mm]

I hope they have or are about too rememdy their problem, they really are a great company! So far, the plastic dipped stockers have proven its wothiness.. The freak that came up with that idea is a genius and deserves much credit!! Have fun!

[Ah Clem]

Hoghunter7mm,

I believe that KBDD has the problem resolved. I have thumped, bumped, and crashed both the pink and the yellow versions, multiple times, and they have survived, unscathed.

[Hoghunter7mm]

Awesome too hear!! Thank you very much...going have a couple of sets on their way shortly

[RedJoE]

I just purchased an orange set from ValueRC a week ago, dang thing broke on the first flight. Highly disappointing, thought they were going to be stronger than stock.

Pretty obvious their material is too hard and brittle. I also purchased a set of the extreme orange blades and they also broke very quickly on 3rd flight I believe, too brittle.

They need to soften their plastic up, it's too hard. Their colors are really cool, but if their going to break so easily, what's the point?

They need to soften the material, also need to put in reinforcement into the corner sections where all the flex goes. Mainly, they need to produce a product that is more durable than what Blade makes, not worse.

[Hoghunter7mm]

I guess if we all didnt crash as much as we do, there wouldnt be a problem...but what fun would that be??