Hello,

I know that many of the top fliers use 3 blade props on their stunt planes.  Being that I've only been back at c/l (from the 60's) for a few years now, as always, I'm curious as to the reason(s) for such things.

Perhaps someone could explain the advantages of a 3 blade prop.  More thrust? Downhill braking? 

Also, is there a point in the weight of a plane that those above that point  perform better with a 3 blade?  I do remember using 3's on 1/2 A planes.

 I know 3 blades are more expensive and I haven't seen very many offered by different prop makers.  Carbon fiber 3's are what I've mostly seen on the competition planes and those are pretty pricey.

Would there be any advantage to using a 3 blade on a sport/competition plane such as a Cardinal or Score?  How about  a Vector 40?

Thanks in advance for any information and opinions.

Joe

Hello,

I know that many of the top fliers use 3 blade props on their stunt planes.  Being that I've only been back at c/l (from the 60's) for a few years now, as always, I'm curious as to the reason(s) for such things.

Perhaps someone could explain the advantages of a 3 blade prop.  More thrust? Downhill braking? 

Also, is there a point in the weight of a plane that those above that point  perform better with a 3 blade?  I do remember using 3's on 1/2 A planes.

 I know 3 blades are more expensive and I haven't seen very many offered by different prop makers.  Carbon fiber 3's are what I've mostly seen on the competition planes and those are pretty pricey.

Would there be any advantage to using a 3 blade on a sport/competition plane such as a Cardinal or Score?  How about  a Vector 40?

Thanks in advance for any information and opinions.

Joe

HI Joe

Yes many times there is a very big difference in performance, typically the 3 blades  have  less precession , than 2 blades, they load the engine better sometimes and are quieter. Other times they wind up less in the wind and also give a more constant speed to the model. You also can use more blade area without  having more ground clearance
This is not always the case, as there is no magic to just bolting on a prop, and you can at other times make the 2 blades work just as well or better. It s just another  important tool we have to make the planes performance much better.

Regards
Randy

Could anyone recommend a 3 blade composite prop for a S.T. .51 on a Score? 

Maybe an APC 3 blade?

Thanks,

Joe

Could anyone recommend a 3 blade composite prop for a S.T. .51 on a Score? 

Maybe an APC 3 blade?

Thanks,

Joe

The BOLLY 12 x 6.5n   or  11.5 x 6.5  3  blades  work  very well on that  engine

Regards
Randy

I agree with Randy's Bolly 3 blade suggestions.

But I was running a 4-3/4 pitch (repitched 12-4) Bolly 3 blade on my ST 51 trimmed to just under 12", on my USA-1.  Had an awesome run, and pulled great in all the right spots.  It was running a 4-2, but more like a PA in rpm.

Bill <><

What's going on here? I use a 12 X 4 N Bolly cut down to 11 1/4 on my Aero Tiger .36??

Hi Ward,

I liked the smaller disc area of the cut down prop.  And it worked real good.........

I haven't tried an 11 1/4 3 blade on my Aero Tiger 36. 

Bill <><