gear reduction vs direct drive

[shkira]

I have read alot implied about switching out direct drive with gear reduction starters...but nothing conclusive written about pros and cons of one versus other

I had a gear reduction on my M1009 and it failed on me. I have gone through a string of gear reduction now and happened upon what looks like a new DD starter. It is much bigger and heftier.

In other posts there was mention of higher current draw of direct drive. Also found mention of direct drive being more resistant to failure due to off roading etc. 1985 was a split year for GM when they started to use gear reduction.

So what is the bottom line on starters is it due to difficulty of finding direct drive that everyone has switched to GRedux?

Someone also observed that everyone switching to Gear Redux is about when people started having problems with the "undersized" starter relays?

If I can get a DD in good shape should I try that versus the Gear Redx I have been having problems with?

Also if I do go with the DD one what is the best way to support this monster of a starter?

I am still looking to do the relay upgrade but want to make sure I have no more starter problems in the foreseeable future!

Thanks