2 Blade, 3 Blade or What ?

[moose]

Okay guys I've been seeing more and more rc pilots going 3 blade instead of the regular 2 blade.....So lets have some facts here gentlemen and try to get this thread as educational as possible ( Educational.....don't believe I said that ).

What we need to know is:

1) What is the difference between 2 & 3 blade.
2) What recommendations for different size engines ( 50 , 80, 100, 110 , 150 and 157cc).
3) Which to consider for IMAC and which for 3D.
4) Which brands are considered best ( No brand war here ).
5) Whatever else you can through in thats related to props.
6) Although rpm values are not indicative of performance as they largely depend on enviorment....temp, humidity, elevation etc. however do help give an idea of what is to be expected.

Ok prop Guru's let er rip !!

[exeter_acres]

1> about one blade
2> various on what you want to do
3> depends on where you are flying
4> PT and Mejzlik are considered two top contenders for CF props
5> Thank goodness you gave us this option!
The main reason for 3 blade props is sound.. they are quieter.
2 blade props spin up quicker and a bit better, but they can rip and can be very noisy (depends on pilot too) so many fields have sound requirements that require a 3 blade prop (and cans) to stay within....


That help?

[VIPER69]

Here is the short and sweet version from my experience and those around me...

Three blade carbon fiber... usually more quiet, provides good braking on downlines during IMAC competitions, though does not spool up as fast as two bladed wood.

So with that said... for competition you are likely to see both props used where possible, and rules allow. Competitors will use the 3 bladed Mejlick props for IMAC flying and then switch out to wood (many brands will do the trick though as of late NX and XOAR in particular are really really popular) for the freestyle.

Some contests do not allow this or have a strict sound limitation so you cannot easily use wood props.

[TheTank]

3 Blade: less efficient (15-20%) Alot quieter, great downline breaking, consistant speeds on all lines

2 Blades, quicker revving, more efficient, noisey, more power

Sizes: DA150, 28.5x12, 28x12.5, 29x12
3W 157: 29x12, 29.5x12
100: 25x12

What do I prefer? 3 Blade Mejzlik 28.5x12. I use it for IMAC and 3D. With an airplane that is under 39 pounds, this prop works great. You may not "blast" out of a hover... but who needs that anyway, it pulls out with plenty of authority.

[airbusmech]

What about for an 80 size motor?

[rcairflr]

A buddy of mine was just talking about using a 3 blade Xoar prop on his G-62 in a Aerotech 92" Chipmunk. Does anyone have any experience with a 3 blade prop on G-62 and if so what prop and how did it work out? thanks

[Ryans Rebel]

I though you get better scores with a 3-blade?