Orion XTG dobs

Looking for any insight to the Orion XT12G (or smaller G models). I am really trying to talk myself into one of these but am unsure about the reliability of the drives.

I have read all the reviews that I could find (all mostly positive) and I have seen two for sale that mention 'slipping' which requires a nudge to get the scope moving again and various creaking noises.

I'm hoping there are a few of you out there that have one of these or that have seen one in use and can shed some additional insight.

Thanks in advance.

-Mark

I had the 8" and 12". They were great performers for all types of observing. As far as the drives were concerned, I had both for over a year each and the drives worked well with no failures. I did have to adjust the friction clutches (the 12) but after that no issues. The clutch on the base is much more of a chore to get to though. Orion support has PDF files for the clutch adjustments if needed. As far as creaking noises, I only noticed it sometimes when I was hand slewing the scope (the 12) and the "noise" was minor to me. BTW, the hand slewing is not Dobsonian smooth since you are working with friction clutches installed on each axis. IMO, the scopes are designed to use the drives for all motion.

Hope this helps.

Keith