Wico Grommets: Stiff or mushy?

[RayB]

Should Wico grommets be stiff or mushy?

I can't tell if the stiff ones I have are stiff because they hardened or because they just haven't been worn in.

[DaveStall]

When I replaced the grommets in my Robotron, I noticed that the sticks were much stiffer than they were before, so I am guessing that newer grommets = stiffer action.  After a year or so of play, the sticks have loosened up a bit, but still not to the point that the old cracked ones were loose.

Dave

[Kremmit]

(Somebody has to do this..)

Personally, I like my stick to be pretty stiff when I play with it.

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Seriously, that's one of those subjective things, but a good new grommet ought to be pretty darn stiff compared to, say, a Happ Super.  Even a worn-in one, if it hasn't started cracking yet, is at least as stiff as, and probably stiffer than a Super.  Once they start cracking, though, they can get pretty darn loose, especially in the direction(s) they're cracked.

I like the stiffness of a good new grommet, but then I'm one of those guys that tries to move the whole cab by yanking on the stick.  YMMV.

[Dave_K.]

I also have a pair of new Wico Grommets that are very stiff.  Is there a way to soften them up and make them last longer (prevent early cracking)?  Like submerging them in motor oil for awhile, and then keeping them lubed with ball bearing grease or something?  Any proven methods that work?

[quarterback]

Silicone spray is the recommended method of preserving the rubber grommets, afaik.

I also have a pair of new Wico Grommets that are very stiff.  Is there a way to soften them up and make them last longer (prevent early cracking)?  Like submerging them in motor oil for awhile, and then keeping them lubed with ball bearing grease or something?  Any proven methods that work?

[ponyboy]

If you need new Wico Grommets please check out my thread in Buy/Sell/Trade.

Thanks,

Ponyboy