akarmy
Well Known Member
So I've searched the archives, and read all the threads on stick bending. I currently have two setups that I have tried.
First I have a shortened straight stick with a Tosten grip. Now this grip angles forward a bit so the grip is even farther away with the straight stick. Interesting this bend forward is very comfortable with your wrist angle. This is how I initially setup and flew my first 40 hours. While a bit of a reach in cruise to keep your arm and shoulder forward to hold the stick, it was fantastic in maneuvering flight and aerobatics.
So I got a bent stick and new grip. The Tosten won't work with the bent stick as you have to cut off too much to make the height work out with the panel. Once you've cut it there's no room for the insert that holds the Tosten grip in place. So I switched to the wood grip that Vans sells with the bent stick. The location is very comfortable and clears in all 4 corners of the range of motion. So far so good. The end of the stick is vertical just like the normal stick which I noticed is not as comfortable as the forward bend of the Tosten.
Well, after flying a few flights with the bent stick, while it's comfortable in straight and level, It is seriously compromising my ability to pull G's on the stick. I think it's the fact that my arm is now 90deg to the stick when moderate up elevator is being pulled. This geometry means that you are twisting your shoulder to move the stick back instead of pulling in a more direct angle. I felt a similar thing when landing 3 point where it was hard to pull the stick back enough to get to the stall.
So, am I crazy? is my arm weak? Will it get better over time? or is this the some people like it some people don't part about the bent stick?
First I have a shortened straight stick with a Tosten grip. Now this grip angles forward a bit so the grip is even farther away with the straight stick. Interesting this bend forward is very comfortable with your wrist angle. This is how I initially setup and flew my first 40 hours. While a bit of a reach in cruise to keep your arm and shoulder forward to hold the stick, it was fantastic in maneuvering flight and aerobatics.
So I got a bent stick and new grip. The Tosten won't work with the bent stick as you have to cut off too much to make the height work out with the panel. Once you've cut it there's no room for the insert that holds the Tosten grip in place. So I switched to the wood grip that Vans sells with the bent stick. The location is very comfortable and clears in all 4 corners of the range of motion. So far so good. The end of the stick is vertical just like the normal stick which I noticed is not as comfortable as the forward bend of the Tosten.
Well, after flying a few flights with the bent stick, while it's comfortable in straight and level, It is seriously compromising my ability to pull G's on the stick. I think it's the fact that my arm is now 90deg to the stick when moderate up elevator is being pulled. This geometry means that you are twisting your shoulder to move the stick back instead of pulling in a more direct angle. I felt a similar thing when landing 3 point where it was hard to pull the stick back enough to get to the stall.
So, am I crazy? is my arm weak? Will it get better over time? or is this the some people like it some people don't part about the bent stick?