Historically, Slick was a cheaper alternative to Bendix and the reason it was cheaper was because lower-grade materials were utilized in it’s construction. Also historically, except for the one model of engine (the O-300-C) Continental chose Bendix for the factory magneto on O-300 engines.
To accurately discuss the comparison the particular MODEL of magneto should be mentioned. Some of the Slicks were built so inexpensively that they were referred to as “Throw-Away-Slicks” because they were not rebuildable. Bendix, on the other hand has been the standard to which to be compared, have always been repairable/rebuildable.
Yes, the Bendix units have more Service Bulletins and AD notes, and that has been a selling-point for Slicks, but that is because the Bendix units last longer in service while Slicks have had to resort to discontinuation of more models, lack of parts, and lack of repair schemes/support.
Having said that, I’ve got Bendix on my 170 and Slick on my 172 both with O-300 Continentals. The magneto failures suffered by individuals are only anecdotal, not dependable data. My anecdote is one failure of Slick and one Bendix, neither of which were installed on an O-300.
Both have better reputations than Eisemann.
