We've used these exclusively for the last ten years or so both with and (mostly) without wings. We've had no issues with them. I find them to be user friendly, although I'm in the process of designing an enhancement to make maintenance easier. I fabricate a cover/guard for the rotating pieces out of an old ball casting and collar. I have a hypothesis on why, as is claimed, it hooks the car up harder but we've not used a ball in so long I can't remember whether I noticed a difference or not. As far as I know we're the only morons using them around Indiana, or anywhere I've been, which includes most areas of the country except out west. As far as hype, I've not seen any reference to these in a long time. I'm not even sure where to buy a new one.

Tim Simmons