I haven't broken a Grade 8 for about 15 years, but I also haven't been trying to pump up hills with max pumps and really sloppy bushings like I used to, where pin to hangar contact happens. Either way I try to swap out old pins after hitting around 1,000 or so miles, depending on the amount of pumping. If mostly pushing, pins should last almost forever. Grade 8's have a little more malleability than aircraft grade, the latter seems at risk of being slightly more brittle.
which is better, grade 8 or aircraft?
I haven't broken a Grade 8 for about 15 years, but I also haven't been trying to pump up hills with max pumps and really sloppy bushings like I used to, where pin to hangar contact happens. Either way I try to swap out old pins after hitting around 1,000 or so miles, depending on the amount of pumping. If mostly pushing, pins should last almost forever. Grade 8's have a little more malleability than aircraft grade, the latter seems at risk of being slightly more brittle.