I have a BendPak. Unfortunately I cant give a true assessment on durability, its fairly new and doesnt get used every day. I've been around Rotary and looked at some cheaper ones, my BP seems to be very well built. The parts that need to be beefy definately are. I did my own install so I could know it inside and out.
Jeff-
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You remind me of the timing on a turbo engine...
Since they don't mention it - my guess is they aren't built in the USA...
There's probably nothing right or wrong with an imported lift.... they'll lift up a car - just like every other lift. My only comment on owning a lift is - given the amount of use it gets - I'd have spent DOUBLE knowing what I know now and if I had half a clue how much use it gets.
It's like owning a welder and knowing how to use it -- you have LOTS of friends that "need" you. Ditto the lift...
My Gemini is "fine" but "ordinary" -- super noisy locking mechanism.... At the time I thought "so......" but now that I use it so much -- I think "dang..... woulda, shoulda, coulda"
I had a chance to work on a Bend Pak a few weeks back while out visiting a client. He's had it for a few years and was running a late model Mustang bolt on business with it. He says its "OK" and you can't beat it for the price. Working on it, I would say it feels sloppy compared to the Rotary stuff I've worked on in the past. I'm sure it would do fine for my low volume but I think I'm going to spend the extra $1k to get the Rotary. I talked to Rotary out at SEMA and they were supposed to have the local dealer call me... I need to follow up with them.
Rev -- I guess that was the point I was trying to make.... it just isn't that much more and is so much better in every way. I think the extra cost up front far exceeds the savings in the long run. I cheaped out thinking I wouldn't use it much and learned that I was dead wrong. Should have stepped up - or as my son tells me - I should have manned up....
Lastly -- tools are "assets". The wife spends money on a vacation... that money is GONE... It goes straight to ZERO. I spend money on a car - tools - shop equipment. At some point when no longer needed, or used, or whatever... I can turn that back into some return. So not only have I had the use and enjoyment of the item/car/equipment... that stuff all still has value.
GW, I tell my wife this all the time. But it only helps a little, LOL
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1969 Camaro/ Tom Nelson TT 434 / Wayne Due C5 / DSE QLink / and a bunch of other stuff...
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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