Flite Test - Choosing A Propeller - FLITE TIP 

even 11 years ago they still made super high quality videos.

@tjtg Pusher props are good for screw collets. Otherwise you chance them loosening when you reverse your motor.

Love the early days of flitetest. Josh Scott and Josh Bixler was a good mix. Should get some of the past crew back on the channel every now and then.

@fulg Actually Ben, using a pusher on a rear mount will keep the collet from loosening.

With all these new quadcopter props I think it would be a great idea to revisit this for a video. One thing I'm doing is learning to 3d print a propeller for my ww2 plane. It's a great small flier but it can't land or take off cause the factory prop is a huge 2 bladder prop. It does great but I want to play around with different propellers and see if it will work will a 4 bladder propeller.

Love rewatching flite tips!😜

We need this intro back for the newer videos!!!

Thank you for that mind opening detail, now I may be able to calculate the best prop for the speed I know I'm going to be within :) 2:38

@deeringdeluxe I know, that's what I'm trying to say ;) Props have a direction (CCW or CW), you have to mount them correctly (either forwards or backwards based on the motor location) to make sure the numbers on the prop are facing towards the direction of flight. Even if the motor is at the back of your plane, it doesn't mean you need a pusher prop, as long as the prop ends up turning the correct way. It will work fine with either prop type, you just pay more for pushers.

Everyone's beginning to get sick of HobbyKing and their outrageous shipping costs. Seems like no matter where in the world you're located, HobbyKing will find a way to do you in, essentially forcing us to purchase larger quantities in the hopes that costs subside. They are also very sneaky, not revealing estimated shipping charges, then expect us to register, then enter banking details only to eventually find that the shipping costs are generally far to high. HobbyKing, it's time you get your ducks in a row... and your props balanced! =P

would you guys pls do a video about prop adapters, almost nobody includes an adapter when you buy a motor so it is a headache to look for the proper shaft and prop for the motor. Thank you

So this is what happens when you have a guy in speed and the other one high in the same video.

This is one of the best vids and helps understand prop sizes.

Absolutely love the "mustache on it's rear"...love it all guys. Thank you.

@deeringdeluxe It does! I made the mistake flying a Swift 2 with the prop backwards to what it should be and it really feels sluggish in flight. A prop mounted the wrong way will fly,yes but it will totally be less efficient and less thrusty. The motor direction defines whether it will move forward correctly, but you should never fly with a prop mounted backwards if this means the wrong way is pointing forward in flight.Don't forget props are shaped into a curvy surface that works like a paddle.

Hey guys, love the show, but I want to correct something you said about pusher props. They are ONLY required when you need to compensate for the torque roll of multiple motors on a plane, or a quadcopter. You do NOT need a pusher prop when the motor is mounted behind the plane; you mount the prop backwards (i.e. the numbers towards the motor) and reverse the motor direction, so the prop turns the correct way around. Look at your Swift II, you don't have a pusher prop on it ;) Cheers, Ben.

As the guy on the flight line that got elected to straddle the new 1200 horsepower turbine to adjust the variable pitch prop governor, I can tell you that all fixed pitch propellers have a narrow efficiency window to operate with. Airspeed and pitch is everything. If you change the pitch and/or diameter, yes, it's possible to go faster - within limits. Balance the tradeoffs in your choice. A high pitch propeller gives you a long roll on takeoff. A low airspeed, heavy biting high pitch prop will likely never exceed 60MPH. Propeller formulas always include airspeed because of it. For any given propeller, engine and airframe combination, there is a speed at which the propeller noise is at a minimum. A noisy prop (too fast, too slow, bad wind angle, turbulence, etc.) is eating your power wholesale with a reduced return in thrust by comparison. A propeller blade operating in the wake turbulence of another propeller blade is definitely at the wrong airspeed. Drone props are designed for 0 airspeed. Insufficient airflow across jet engine blades and the compressor will stall sometimes violently and wreck the engine. The length of the prop blade is directly proportional to the work required to keep it balanced and the amount of grass your cutting on taxi. In any case, vibration from any source is bad and noisy. There is no such thing as no damage from any prop strike at max rpm. Based on what's usually available to most people, it's very likely that you have a choice of three props for your given combination that will change performance; and three more if the blade count changes. Choose carefully and you maximize flight time. A goal nobody argues with ;)

Really like the way both of the Josh(es) interact and and dynamics they bring. Very professional channel that kind of reminds me of Myth Busters. The RC industry needs your approach! Another factor to bring to prop choice is the number of cells in the battery - which affects KV choice - and rated Watts of the motor and ESC. Also, ground clearance for the prop, rated RPM of the prop, differences between gas and electric props. I know its a lot but a multi-part series would be good. Great job.

Pretty good overview for a short episode, nice work!

Finally someone who explains this to me! Thank you!

You only need a pusher prop on either IC motors or where counter rotating is required. Electric you can always make the motor run either direction

I'm building a foam mig 29 jet The wingspan is 81 mm and the weight is 31.1 oz The battery is a lipo 2200 mah 11.1 v 3s The motor I'm using is a A2212/6t 2200 kv and the propeller is 6x4 My question is do you think this setup will work or do I need to change something. Any help would be much appreciated

Geometric pitch is the design of the prop and the amount it should move forward in a perfect world. Effective pitch is the amount of forward movement you actually get.

I REALLY LOVE WATCHING YOUR "FACE" ITS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THEN WHAT WERE TALKING ABOUT! and your trying to start a business?

"Like a mustach on your rear" LOL you guys really are making cool videos, keep them up!

Do you think spinners are necessary for electric rc planes? I have a Turbo Timber Evo. and it looks like the ESC would get better air flow if the spinner was not installed.

Oh... now I get it. CW spinning propeller pulls the airplane and CCW spinning propeller pushes it. LOL

I have a suggestion for all of you that are confused about props. Order a range of props and then double each order just in case you like one or more. Get your fuselage on the bench and your power meter, and after carefully balancing each of your examples, run it thru the paces. That will give you a more than a rough idea as to the max diameter and bite.Make note of power consumption for each set-up and simply deduce "Dear Watson" ...and then take no more than three props to the field to test.

@flitetest Good point. I still don't think they are worth the expense for single-motor crafts; use lock-tite on the collet (or a prop saver) and don't spend the extra money for pusher props ;) Cheers, Ben.

what are the differences between props for forward flight/ fixed wing and props for quadcopters?

so there are cw props and you say the ccw props are made for pusher planes, why cant you just reverse your motor and use a normal cw prop on a pusher type plane?

Y'all should do a video choosing the right props for quads

Hey Josh/Josh need a videos on how to choose a motor... How to match an ESC to a motor.........

Another great video guys! Keep up the fantastic work and continued success! Have a great day and happy flying friends.

Whenever it comes to aerodynamics, I'm clueless where to begin. It's way more complex than my financial problem....

Hi I have a 50cc electric motor. I am running a 22+10 eflight prop. It is very quiet. I am looking for a loud prop sound? Any suggestions? Thanks

Can you guys show us how to use the prop balancer? And I was expecting to see some rules of thumb and principles of choosing props, motor Kv, number of lipo cells in series, etc.

I put 18 inch propeller on box fan motor

Hi I am having a sbach 342 Balsa wood aircraft but I am confused in choosing propeller for that .. pls help me choose the wright propellee

Do they define CW vs. CCW viewing from in front of the plane, or viewing from inside the cockpit of the plane?

Hey guys, I'm wondering what would be better to throw in my Carbon z cub ss (v2) eflight power 60 (400kv or 470kv) and which size prop?

hi josh bixler. should i use prop-savers on my scratch foam trainer. it has a 35" wing-span, and a 1534 kV motor, and a 7x6 recommended prop. even thought we'll probably use a 8x6. What say u?

i need help..i have a Turnigy DST-1200 Brushless Outrunner 1200kv which max ovr at 16amp , i bought a 10x5 prop for it but im afraid its gonna over load the 20amp esc that i have..will me system work good enough for a couple flights?

hmm for multirotors i was wondering if there would be advantages to placing the motors on the bottom of their respective boom, facing downwards instead of up and then flipping the prop. i would think less thrust would be lost due to air current impinging on the boom below it. basically it would probably make a low pressure area right around the boom as air flows around it slowing it's downward speed to move transversely to move around the boom thus reducing the net flow or air velocity in that area and then reducing reaction force on the prop and thrust. i guess the trade off is the suction area ahead of the prop. maybe the boom being in front of the propeller it would cause reduced supply of air to the propeller and have even worse effect and this is why nobody mounts the props on the bottom side of the boom?

Great informative video. I have a dji phantom version 1 I'm currently using the standard 8043 plastic props. I flying with dual 2800 mah 3s lipos and a gopro hero 3. I'm wondering if I should upgrade my propellers to the carbon fiber 8 inch props due they are more stiffer and I'm carrying a little more weight or continue to fly with the standard props. Let me know whar you think.

Hello, recently I broke a 2300 Kv edf ducted fan, and I am thinking of reusing the motor with a propeller for a plane. Is it possible or it will underperform severely? Thanks in advance.

I am looking to buy a RVJet plane I just couldn't decide which propeller and motor I should use. Do you have any suggestions?

This was so helpful. now i know what prop to put on my plane

enjoy watching these videos, I would like to see a segment on finding kv rating and finding the amp rating to match also the esc

Which motor and which propler is best for both plane and tri copter if I want have maximum thust

i have Rc Helicopter Engine Firewolf F163 Side Motor what propeler should i use to make rc plane? i want to make rc plane with 2 motor..

Great video guys! Cant wait for the next one.

Nice work guys my q any stable rule for propller size with size and plans whight thank you

Ah man! I bought a normal APC 6x4 for my bixler. I didn't know I needed a special propeller. I heard that I just needed the accessories kit for the NTM motors.

Love your channel guys. I'm interested in controlling the noise that the props make. I assume there is some kind of relationship between RPM, prop length, pitch, thrust, and noise. How do you find the right balance between thrust and noise and will quieter props be more efficient? Would love an episode on quiet multi-props. Can a quiet tricopter be made with large props and slower motors with more torque?

What prop do I need for a 960 kv motor for slow fly as I am a beginner.

What propeller i need for Turnigy D2830-11 on 4S? (Tricopter, 1000grams) cant find 8x4 that isnt slowfly. 10x5 is too "heavy" for 4S on those motors.

Hi i just wanted to know what prop to choose I have a t28 Trojan by parkzone I'm making it 1000 watts now the motor is a 900 kv motor 950 watt with a 60 amp esc and the motor suggested prop is 13x8 batt is 3s should I go something a bit smaller prop wize to not push all setup to heat up ????

What does the letter stand for ? I have a prop the is marked 6x4:5R what does the R mean?

are 9*6E propellers the same as 9060 propeller.if not then pls tell me the difference

@lpbug Use blue loctite

I have a question. I have a world models ultimate 10-300 with a 480 briskness at 1020kv. I want to set this up to hover. What would be the best prop to hover this set up???

I've a 1000KV brushless motor so what should be the propeller size, which will give the most speed and how much it will effect my F117 RC plane??

Can you please give me a tip on what propeller should I use as a rotor of my rc AVENGERS helicarrier project

See, that's the explanation a noob like me needs! Thanks a lot for your great videos guys! Now please do one on how to actually balance your props :-)

It wasn't long ago that newbies or youngsters believed a bigger prop was better. I lost count of guys asking what was the longest prop a quadcopter could handle. It seemed a quad with small props wasn't "cool". No amount of advice regarding efficiency etc. could shake them. Such talk was old people's talk, in the end I gave up trying and told them to use 11 inch props as long as they were OK with them hitting the prop on the next motor. They were actually buying quadcopters according to the size of the props. I'm no longer in the business so I have to wonder if it's still uncool to have small props. Or have I got it wrong by buying my props according to motor specs?

Can anyone plz tell me where I can buy a 10-4 7 prop cause i looked on there websight and couldn't find it

Pls respond umm so when you said like 1047 prop is the 10 in inches? Or.......

this was my question that i found no where else that "is the pusher propeller different from tractor one". so basically if you rotate the tractor propeller the other way than for which it is built, u get a pusher propeller, right?

I have designed and built a 44in wing span b17, i need help on choosing props and motors. Its made out of foam board in true flite test fashion

Hello, how are you? Wonderful details on props. I would like to know that can I switch to single blade prop from a 3 blade prop. I have 1100mm fms typhoon.

sooo, what's exactly the difference of a pusher? Has it a special form? Or it is just CW/CCW?

I have heard that when two propellers are installed in a straight line then if one rotates clockwise and the other counter clockwise it produces more thrust.is it true.

Great video, thanks. Is it correct that a larger prop for a slow flyer such as a 3d model is better suited with a less cell lipo but with more mah?

Can I use a pull prop and then attach it in the opposite way to make it a push prop.

Josh what folding prop is good for my radian pro becauce i'm using it for fpv and i whant it to clime better

Questions For You Guys A) What was your first computer radio? B) What is the CG on the ft viggen swappable

My motor is 2212 1400 kv none brand motor,,i can use 3 blade prop,,but i dont know 3 blade prop size,,,plase suggest a 3 blade prop for 1400 kv on 2s lipo

Want to make a EDGE...... suggest prop for a2212 2200 kv motor

1400 kv motor which propeller is best for rc plane?

Cool Intro, FliteTest!

so they mean 2 prop clockwise and 2 counterclockwise, can we say in other word 2 pusher blades and 2 puller blades???? help ???

I learnt a few things in thie episode! Nicely done! :D

Hey, I am a hobbyist can you tell me how do you select the motor for rc aircraft? How much thrust to weight ratio do you choose ?I have built a plane of around 6kg how much thrust is required?

Could you please do a video on prop adapters and how they are used.

how would i attach a prop to a traxxas rustler rc brushless electric motor, that was never meant to have a plane prop attached to it? i am trying to make a airboat that will have lots of torque and high end speed. i am gonna be using a 5000 mah venom battery

which propeller do i select for 500 kv motor slow flying plane weighing 20 lbs(10kg approx)

the intro gives me...the thing when you get cold and your skin like does the thing...its good...

If I want to fly a quadcopter 20 minutes which motor, propeller and battery I can select ?

Is the wooden propeller faster or slower

@deeringdeluxe There's really no need to respond to me like that, I even stated the motor direction defines which way the thrust will be. But regardless of that a prop really should always face the correct side, as that's when it will work best (you can lose up to 50% thrust if its mounted backwards). A prop that's on a pusher plane will function like a pusher prop, even though you'll have to put it on backwards compared to the motor itself. So what exactly is your point?

Just curious if this is an exact science or rather hit or miss regarding choosing engine size (and appropriate prop dimensions) for max performance vs max flight time for planes and copters. Larger motors turning larger props at slower rpm use less power than smaller, high revving motors with smaller props, or is it the other way round....?

I'm interested with the combat wing's motor mount. Please tell me where did you get that.

what would you recommend on a Sunnysky x2212 1400kv motors on a HJ-Y3 tricopter ?

I want to which design of prop produces Max. air (just like fan) thrust is to be produced downwards

1:40, pretty sure the prop needs to face forwards if its on a normal plane or a pusher plane, i use CW props on my pusher plane and it works fine and you can use CCW props on either type of plane, just reverse your motor to suit, you need to explain what your talking about, not just say it spins the other way cos it goes on the back because thats just flat out wrong

elder josh looks at little josh like a proud dad

hey guys, can u help me? So i'll do a cessna 182, about 800grams. so i choose for use the Emax XA2212 1400kv motor. i read that i have to use a 8x6 propeller. then i go to the hobbyking and find my propeller. So i don't know what direction (CW or CCW) i have to buy. can u guys help me? like as cessna, the motor will be in the front of the Airplane

If i want to switch from a two bladed propeller two a three bladed. How do i change the diameter and pitch to have the same characteristics of the two bladed one? ex i have a 10 x 4,5" 1045R two bladed. what should the three bladed be ?

Hi, I wonder what device that you used to test the thrust load, which the propeller can produce. Could you share more info about that device? Thanks