[Espeefan]

I've never experienced any complete bearing failures yet. Steel shielded, rubber shielded, cheap, or expensive. I've had some fast trucks, buggies, and helicopters for years, nitro and electric. The only time I had a bearing problem was due to rust. If you run models outside in the winter, or in water, sooner or later you'll find a bearing that will rust up and either lock tight, or just be gritty. In all honesty, the bronze bushings are pretty much indestructible in that sense. Some guys like them because they never completely fail.