My place in line is coming closer. I am now trying to nail down all the details of the order sheet. Can I get some reflections on gear choices? It seems that there are three options -- traditional cabane, grove spring gear and the monster shock gear. I'm not sure I fully understand the difference between the cabane and the monster -- i'm sure the monster has more damping, looks cooler and costs more(?). Anyway, there are a couple threads about this sort of thing -- i'm trying to see if time and use has changed anyones thoughts.

I know it's all about mission -- my mission is trips out west on wheels to check out backcountry flying, wheels and floats to Bahamas and (potentially) teach a kid to fly. South Florida based. Hangar will be a trailer. It may take a little time to get it on floats. Only because it matters for this discussion I will say that I believe in hitting your spot as a significant priority over "smooth and soft landings" -- some of the scariest landings I've ever seen have been plenty smooth and soft.

So. i'm wondering if the grove gear is significantly more "sproingy" than the other options? Yep, made that one up right here and now. Sometimes the 172 I fly feels like it just might re-launch me --- the cub i sometimes fly (when I FINALLY get all the energy off) does not really ever feel like that. I am poor at flying both planes. and low time. but the premise remains.

I'm not a great flarer. Which set of gear when you're not a great flarer?

Do tires play into this discussion? Could I take the advantages of grove gear and then throw moderate size bush wheels on there to function as some level of shock absorber?

I THINK that i'm comparing a bit more weight and "sproinginess" (on the grove side) versus a significant speed penalty on the cabane/monster side. I'm inclined to take the speed and simplicity of the grove. but if the cabane or monster is going to make me feel really good about myself (completely undeservedly of course) then i'm 100% sure I could talk myself in that.