Carefree Pioneer Awning conversion

I'm looking at replacing my current Carefree of Colorado Fiesta FX awning because my springs are broken. I'm considering getting the Carefree Pioneer Arm set #971501WHT. I have a 96 model awning so I can't just get the Pioneer Upgrade Kit as that's just for 97 and up Spirit and Fiesta awning arms.

Has anyone changed over to ether the whole Arm set or have a 97 and up awning and removed both springs and converted over using Carefree's Pioneer Upgrade Kit? How do you like the manual awning compared to the normal spring roll up awning?

Thanks.