best prop

[lee213]

hi all
this question has probably been asked several times but i have a 2 cell 1300 mah lipo in my cub i was wondering what is the best prop for it i.e what size, make etc
thanks
lee

[flydiver]

Old stock prop 10x8 or similar sized slow fly from APC or even in this case GWS. 2S is very similar to the old 7/8-cell NiMh. 3S is a big jump up.

Lower voltage > use larger prop.
Higher voltage > use smaller prop

I've rooted through my old files and came up with some tests from the 'old days' that I saved but is no longer available on line.

Here are some conclusions from the tests, BUT-these are NOT done on a 3S lipo:

[The closest alternative to the stock 10x8 is the GWS SF 10x8; however, the blades are not as rigid as
the stock 10x8 and in flight under high stress circumstances may not perform up to the stock prop;
I've used the GWS SF 10x8 and not noticed substantially different performance.
The most efficient prop is the GWS HD 10x6 - this will give increased flight times due to its lower
power requirements. I think this one is the best alternative to the stock 10x8 - even though the thrust
is a bit lower, it is more robust than the SF props and most likely holds its shape better under stress.
It also fits directly over the nut on the 480's shaft - the other SF props require a lock washer to hold
them in place.
The GWS SF 10x4.7 is puts up some good numbers on the bench; however, I used this and did find
that it does not perform as well as the numbers indicate - for example, I found loops a bit of a struggle
from level flight. I think this prop flexes under stress and as a result it's losing pitch, resulting in less
power.
If you want more power, then the GWS 11x8 is a nice upgrade. I've used this one also and it does
give more power but it will cut into flight times as it needs more power.
Last, I tested the 9x4.7 to show the performance difference - I would not recommend flying this one.
CONCLUSIONS
Prop selection is to a large degree based on what you expect out of your Super Cub - if you want
longer flight times and good performance, the GWS HD 10x6 looks like good all-around choice. The
GWS 11x8 SF is a "power" choice and the GWS HD 10x4.7 could be an interesting one to try out.]

And a separate test:

[The stock 10x8 prop which for the HobbyZone 480 is a good fit (what did you expect?) for the Super Cub's 480
brushed motor, keeping rpms and power usage at tolerable levels for the ESC. Getting this combo to something
like 5000 rpm at something like 120-130 watts should result in a significant and noticeable improvement in flying
characteristics, although the increased load on the electronics is out of spec.
I personally like the GWS HD 10x6 as an alternative to the stock 10x8; although not as powerful, it's more
efficient and lengthens flight times - a nice prop for high-flying photo missions.
The GWS SF 11x8 is much flatter and looks more like a "power" prop. Using the stock ESC and 8.4 volt battery,
this prop will deliver about 10% more thrust for 10% more power compared to the stock 10x8 at WOT.]

PM me with your email and I'll send the files.

[lee213]

id rather not give you my email but i think from what you said the GWS HD 10x6 sound like a good choice for what I'm in need of thank you very much

[Dillzio]

the gws hd 10x6 is a good prop choice for the 3s, but for a 2s i think you'd need something a bit more aggressive. I recon the stock 10x8 prop they recommend for if you're flying with floats would be a good choice for 2S

[flydiver]

All depends on if his goal is long flight time at a low power level, or shorter more aggressive flight.

[Dillzio]

suppose it would depend on weight a lot as well. A stock SC with 1300mah 2S battery would need less thrust to get airbourne than a tank like my cub.

You might want to try the stock 9x6 on it, that's supposed to have more thrust than the GWS1060HD anyway.