I'm glad to see my previous review from August of 2020 is still here because it's every bit as relevant in 2025.
The set that I did my first review on was for a set I bought from Brill Armory back in 2016. They're still going which would be a little over 9 years. I stopped counting well after 1 million cycles and if I had to guess, they're approaching 2 million cycles. None of the gears have any wear on them. None. As a matter of fact, the sector gear has already chewed up the release tooth on two SHS pistons pulling M120-strength springs.
I recently just picked up another 10.44:1 set and put it into another primary. This time, it had a 2nd generation bevel gear instead of a 3rd generation design and the finish looks more raw, meaning no black coating.
A set with this low of a ratio makes the most sense to use with a 22 or higher TPA brushed motor or using a brushless motor at lower speeds. Because they cycle so quickly, even more quickly than an SHS 12.65/13.65:1 gearset for example, there is an increased likelyhood to hit premature engagement. It's just something to keep in mind, not necessarily something to be concerned about.
One thing that I always pay attention to is the sound I get out of Siegetek gears. Because they're so much harder that just about everything else, there are pinion gears that don't sound as good as others. Even with perfect pinion-bevel shimming and contact, often what you get with bad meshing is a squeaking sound, not a screech or a scrape. It's very distinct. I've had the best luck with Siegetek pinions as well as ZCI, SHS, ASG, and VFC.
I assume those of you who are looking at Siegetek gears already have plenty of experience under your belt and know what you want to combine with them. It goes without saying that these gears are a luxury, but provide the piece of mind knowing they'll last virtually forever when installed properly.
