• If You Are Having Trouble Logging In with Your Old Username and Password, Please use this Forgot Your Password link to get re-established.
  • There is no better time to show your support for SuperCub.Org than during our annual calendar campaign! All the details are HERE

TISHX SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Vermont
I got the email from airframes about the stc on their new suspension system that was finally stc’ed. Whats everyone’s thoughts on how this new system will stand up to the existing certified options for cubs?
 
I know that I just replaced my AOSS shock struts with Acme Aero and what a game changer. Having flown these shocks on other's aircraft I was familiar with them but like with many other mods, the true test is to install on my own aircraft that I am one with. Major game changer. I worked my way up to dropping it in and it stuck every time even when I screwed the pooch on top of an ox bow with ruts and camber. I am thoroughly impressed.

I texted Sean McLaughlin Friday night after I received the email on their TISHX system. I am waiting to see their drop test videos and hopefully I will get to test and compare their system to the Acmes.
 
I’m surprised to see this STCd already…heck, I’ve never even heard this was in development. Nice to see another option, I hope there is enough market share for them. Acme getting their STC would put a slice in that market share I would think. Hope to see a PIREP soon
 
I guess I don't fly hard enough anymore? About a third of my landings over the last 5000 hrs have been unexpected drop test landings. Just switched to a used set of AOSS shocks last summer and can't imagine my butt could be any happier
My wallet is smiling also

Glenn
 
I looked at the email, then on their website. Perhaps I missed it, but I don’t see any weight number? It would be nice to compare the weight of their titanium to that of Acme, AOSS, TK1, …
 
I looked at the email, then on their website. Perhaps I missed it, but I don’t see any weight number? It would be nice to compare the weight of their titanium to that of Acme, AOSS, TK1, …
Sean told me it was heavier than the Acme because of the spring they had to use but did not have the weight handy. I will post when he gets back to me.
 
I guess I don't fly hard enough anymore? About a third of my landings over the last 5000 hrs have been unexpected drop test landings. Just switched to a used set of AOSS shocks last summer and can't imagine my butt could be any happier
My wallet is smiling also

Glenn
Yep, AOSS blew me away over the bungees and now Acmes blow me away over the AOSS. Then I get back into a stock Super Cub and I have to learn to land again. ;)😂
 
If grass strips and pavement are the norm, I wouldn't spend the money. I genuinely despise flying from airport to airport so the vast majority of my landings are off airport so these would definitely add a safety factor for uneven surfaces loading the gear and throwing the plane side to side as the bungees rebound. Being able to, "drop it in" when needed is really just a bonus for what I hope to gain. I am admittedly a very low hour pilot but this has been what excites me in regards to shocks and the flying I do. It'll be interesting to see what the benefits are between the Acme and TiSHX setups. I definitely hope Shawn sends you some Steve!
 
I looked at the email, then on their website. Perhaps I missed it, but I don’t see any weight number? It would be nice to compare the weight of their titanium to that of Acme, AOSS, TK1, …
I didn’t see a weight listed either. It always very annoying when manufacturers tout light weights, titanium, etc etc in their advertising. But then fail to list it.
 
Yep, AOSS blew me away over the bungees and now Acmes blow me away over the AOSS. Then I get back into a stock Super Cub and I have to learn to land again. ;)😂
Steve, let them know that I'd be willing to be a guinea pig if they need some long term free testing. 😬

Glenn
 
It probably has more testing done than any other shock ever made for a Super Cub. The weight does not really matter if it works better for off airport operations (within reason). It is made from lightweight materials and made to be strong too (the internal spring is steel so you can't get around that weight). They have addressed all the issues with the other options in the market place and without bashing anyone else's product I think long term it will prove to be superior over any other shock out there. They certified it for a Super Cub, so there is no waiting around and hinting that they are working on that. I will be buying a set for the 4 place cub I am currently building. I know the person that did all the testing and he knows off airport operations like no one else. Whether you buy it or one of the other 3 options that I know of out there I see it as a win for everyone. It is advancing the technical aspect of landing off airport and making it safer if that is what you choose to do with your airplane.

Options are good and it costs these companies a lot to bring something like this to the market place. It is not like it is a huge pool of people that are going to step up and buy a set so no one making these units is getting rich.
 
Greg, could we tempt anyone into doing a compare-contrast opinion piece comparing the three latest/current suspension offerings? I only know one other person with actual hands-on experience with both the Acme's as well as the TK1s, and you might be one of few that has tested all three (plus more)...

?
 
It would be fun to do a real world test with all available options on the same airplane at both light weight and heavy weight in the same spots.

I happen to have some inside knowledge about the amount of effort that went into the development of this new shock and it was extensive.
 
To any and all manufacturers out there reading this:

Please, please, please give us external rebound and compression valve stack control separate from spring rate (or static sag for you that use air and not springs). This has been standard on most any offroad/onroad shocks since 1973, and it is all I want for Christmas.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bda
...and while I am dreaming:

Please, please, please allow us to adjust spring preload externally (without having to swap internal springs or add spacers). Preload adjustment plus valve stack control allows for us to have a wider range of weights before having to swap springs.
 
Yep, AOSS blew me away over the bungees and now Acmes blow me away over the AOSS. Then I get back into a stock Super Cub and I have to learn to land again. ;)😂
I’ve been using a cane a lot after back surgery, I’ve found that once you get used to it is hard to put down… 😀
 
It probably has more testing done than any other shock ever made for a Super Cub. The weight does not really matter if it works better for off airport operations (within reason). It is made from lightweight materials and made to be strong too (the internal spring is steel so you can't get around that weight). They have addressed all the issues with the other options in the market place and without bashing anyone else's product I think long term it will prove to be superior over any other shock out there. They certified it for a Super Cub, so there is no waiting around and hinting that they are working on that. I will be buying a set for the 4 place cub I am currently building. I know the person that did all the testing and he knows off airport operations like no one else. Whether you buy it or one of the other 3 options that I know of out there I see it as a win for everyone. It is advancing the technical aspect of landing off airport and making it safer if that is what you choose to do with your airplane.

Options are good and it costs these companies a lot to bring something like this to the market place. It is not like it is a huge pool of people that are going to step up and buy a set so no one making these units is getting rich.
Greg, have you flown these new shocks yet? I am curious in how they compare to the Acmes. One of the Airframes sales people at Oshkosh told me there was an issue with the Acme and so did Sean. Sean showed me drop test graphs from both their new shock and the Acme and the is a slight wiggle in the Acme that he says is cavitation. He said they had to increase the size of the spring to cover the heavy Cubs and that was where the increase in weight came from. I am curious about that and also if you have flown them how you compare them to the Acme. You had Acme on your Super Cub didn't you?
Acme
Acme.jpeg
TISHX
TISHX.jpeg
 
I have not flown them, but I watched Loni testing them in Doug Kellers Super Cub one day at gross weight. They have been testing them for over two years.

What I know personally about ACME is that they worked really well for me. They worked the best on really rough uneven terrain a real game changer. I did not think the ACME shock made a big difference landing in really big rocks so I would still let my tires way down for that (like 2-3 psi). The thing I did notice when I disassembled the one ACME shock I bent in my accident was the internal spring was scuffing the sides of the housing. This caused aluminum to mix with the fluid and when I emptied both units out and let it settle there was a significant amount of sludge in the bottom of the jar. I only had 140 hours on them. I thought ACME should know about this and sent Matt a text. I think because the spring is so long and the clearance on the housing is so close it needs an internal guide to keep the spring from making contact with the side wall. I know Airframes has addressed this issue with their own units. That being said most guys would probably never notice or have a problem with the ACME shock and I am putting the ACME shocks back on my yellow cub as I can not afford to just sell them and buy Airframes to replace them. I will put the new Airframes shock on my 4 place.
 
I have not flown them, but I watched Loni testing them in Doug Kellers Super Cub one day at gross weight. They have been testing them for over two years.

What I know personally about ACME is that they worked really well for me. They worked the best on really rough uneven terrain a real game changer. I did not think the ACME shock made a big difference landing in really big rocks so I would still let my tires way down for that (like 2-3 psi). The thing I did notice when I disassembled the one ACME shock I bent in my accident was the internal spring was scuffing the sides of the housing. This caused aluminum to mix with the fluid and when I emptied both units out and let it settle there was a significant amount of sludge in the bottom of the jar. I only had 140 hours on them. I thought ACME should know about this and sent Matt a text. I think because the spring is so long and the clearance on the housing is so close it needs an internal guide to keep the spring from making contact with the side wall. I know Airframes has addressed this issue with their own units. That being said most guys would probably never notice or have a problem with the ACME shock and I am putting the ACME shocks back on my yellow cub as I can not afford to just sell them and buy Airframes to replace them. I will put the new Airframes shock on my 4 place.
Are the Airframes shocks using a Nitrogen charge like the ACME? I did not see a port anywhere on them in the pictures.
Thanks
DENNY
 
Another consideration is that you’re limited to 3” ext gear. I wouldn’t be real excited about giving back angle of attack after using longer gear. Without reading the STC, is all 3” gear eligible for the certified shocks? Sounds like there’s a little adjustment in them.
 
I have not flown them, but I watched Loni testing them in Doug Kellers Super Cub one day at gross weight. They have been testing them for over two years.

What I know personally about ACME is that they worked really well for me. They worked the best on really rough uneven terrain a real game changer. I did not think the ACME shock made a big difference landing in really big rocks so I would still let my tires way down for that (like 2-3 psi). The thing I did notice when I disassembled the one ACME shock I bent in my accident was the internal spring was scuffing the sides of the housing. This caused aluminum to mix with the fluid and when I emptied both units out and let it settle there was a significant amount of sludge in the bottom of the jar. I only had 140 hours on them. I thought ACME should know about this and sent Matt a text. I think because the spring is so long and the clearance on the housing is so close it needs an internal guide to keep the spring from making contact with the side wall. I know Airframes has addressed this issue with their own units. That being said most guys would probably never notice or have a problem with the ACME shock and I am putting the ACME shocks back on my yellow cub as I can not afford to just sell them and buy Airframes to replace them. I will put the new Airframes shock on my 4 place.
I am still running 3-4 psi in my Bushwheel but don't get in to any big rocks, just some washes and swells. What did Acme say about the scuffing?
 
Back
Top