New prop: 2 vs 3 blades?

gkey · #1 08-10-09, 10:42 PM

Thanks for the input. However, when one reads through Hartzell's web pages, one would swear only everything good is to come from installing 3-bladed props, from torque, power, speed, climb, vibration, noise, the whole caboodle. It should improve EVERY aspect of flight, which I take with a little salt.

It does seem though, that 3-blade props are more "powerful" on the climb, which makes me wonder if it is better to have in case of an engine-out (especially rear engine out).

I guess, my question still stands, if YOU had to choose between 2 and 3 bladed props, which one would you choose, and why?

tropical · #2 08-11-09, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkey

Thanks for the input. However, when one reads through Hartzell's web pages, one would swear only everything good is to come from installing 3-bladed props, from torque, power, speed, climb, vibration, noise, the whole caboodle. It should improve EVERY aspect of flight, which I take with a little salt.

It does seem though, that 3-blade props are more "powerful" on the climb, which makes me wonder if it is better to have in case of an engine-out (especially rear engine out).

I guess, my question still stands, if YOU had to choose between 2 and 3 bladed props, which one would you choose, and why?

2 blade. Cheaper, reliable.

Roger · #3 08-11-09, 02:06 PM

Three blades are not "more powerful" the power comes from the engine, not the appendage stuck on the front. Just as a side issue I had a Navajo panther with 4 blade Q tip props, with 350's. My friend had a standard Navajo with 310's and 3 blades. He liked mine better in cruise and on landing, but he was adamant that mine took longer to get off the ground. So I don't necessarily believe that the extra blades are an absolute performance booster.

hharney · #4 08-11-09, 10:46 PM

There are several threads on this website that explain the benefits of 3 blade MT props. The MT's are the only STC'd 3 blade for the IO-360. If you search MT Props you will be amazed at the information.

As for me, I have 6 years on my MT's and I wouldn't trade them back for McCauly's for nothing. Also, when I purchased my props from MT they were the same price as McCauly. Go with the MT's, move forward not backward.