Backcountry Pilot • 3 blade pros and cons

3 blade pros and cons

Lycoming, Continental, Hartzell, McCauley, or any broad spectrum drive system component used on multiple type.
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3 blade pros and cons

Hey guys I need someone smarter than me to help me with prop choices of 2 vs 3 blade.

I have a 150 with a 160hp 320 going into experimental exhibition, I need to order a prop for it.

I am limited to a 74” prop as it is still a tricycle and will remain that way.

I talked to sensenich and they have a 3 blade ground adjustable with stol profile blades that they can make into a 74”. Is there any reason not to do it? I figure since I can’t get the length I need in a 2 blade then the 3 blade is the next best thing but there’s not any real data out there to make the choice easy as to stay 2 blade or go 3 blade.

Thanks guys
62150B offline
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Re: 3 blade pros and cons

I used to own a C150/150 taildragger.
The prop it came with turned out to be below minimums.
I thought about trying to get an 82" borer prop (popular on supercubs) approved,
but ended up buying a new Sensenich 74DM6S5-56 prop,
which actually turned out to be pitched at closer to 58 from the factory.
Eventually I had it repitched to about 54-1/2 which worked great for me.
I'd guess with yours being a 160hp, a 74" prop pitched to 56 or maybe even 58 might be about right.
IMHO a 160 doesn't really need more diameter, or 3 blades.
hotrod180 offline
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Re: 3 blade pros and cons

Taildragger or Nose wheel?

What do you want to do? If you fly with super cub buddies a bigger prop like 2 blade sensenich 82 inch is great.
( Taildragger or air-glass fork Big wheels only)

For all around a 56 pitch 74 inch sensenich works fine so will a carbon 76 inch sensenich ground adjustable. You want to be as light on the nose as possible if you have a swept tail 150 taildragger.

We used to have one and it was a awesome little plane pitched to a 72 on a 74 inch sensenich it was close to super cub performance and still 20 MPH faster.
Bush Buggy offline
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Re: 3 blade pros and cons

I'd just stay with the trusted 74" 2 blade. I really don't think you'll gain much STOL performance with the 3 blade. Get a ground adjustable 2 blade sensenich and fly the pants off it.
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Re: 3 blade pros and cons

Bush Buggy wrote:....We used to have one and it was a awesome little plane pitched to a 72 on a 74 inch sensenich it was close to super cub performance and still 20 MPH faster.


I'm guessing that your 72 pitch is a typo?
Mine came with a 52, worked well but would wind more over redline than I wanted.
I ended up running a 54+ which was perfect.
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