Lookin at engine options for the Skyraider Frontier and started thinking that I better consider propellers also. Would hate to buy and engine then find out I'm stuck with a very small selection of props. Tried googleing it and it seems like there is a ton of options out there.

So other than certified props what are you guys running?

I have two Kitfoxes with 80 hp 912's on them.

One has a 3-blade 72" Warp drive, tapered tip with the nickel leading edge. This is kind of the benchmark prop. It is very tough and very heavy. This prop on a 912 needs to have the tapered tips because without them the weight of the prop is over the maximum allowable weight for the gearbox bearings.

My other plane (project) has a 72" three blade Ivo prop. Much lighter and from the people flying them they seem to be the best performing prop on this type of plane. Not very pretty to look at, but when it's spinning you don't see it any way...

Which motor?

emflys wrote:Which motor?

Undecided. I just don't want to buy some some engine and be stuck with less than desirable props. If I know what brands you guys are using I can look at what engines they can be used on. This will provide me with the reassurance that the engine I choose will have plenty of options.

Kiev 3 blader is EXTREMELY smooth, and quieter and lighter then a Warp, lighter means easier on the gearbox.

Be prepared for long lead times on the Kiev, I am still waiting for a replacement blade, going on 5 weeks now!

The Whirl Wind 3 blade is getting a good buzz (poor choice of words), if it is at least equeal to the Kiev I am ready to give them my business. Nothing against the Ukraine, but buying from SoCal will help their economy down there and just maybe I could get one in a timely fashion. I do love my Kiev though....

Av8r3400 wrote:...... a 72" three blade Ivo prop. Much lighter and from the people flying them they seem to be the best performing prop on this type of plane. .......

I like the electric-controllable feature available on the Ivo's. Does yours have this feature? Seems pretty versatile, as opposed to a "climb prop" & a "cruise prop". If they are good performers, I would be inclined for something like this. Prices seem reasonable, at least they used to when I looked at them (been a while).

So we have IVO, Kiev, warp drive and whirl wind. Anything else?

It will a little depend on the motor, hence the question. Jabs are direct drive and have more limited prop options to make use of the RPM range - I've heard mainly the Sensinich GA 2-blade. Same issue with the UL Power, for which Catto is now making a prop I think. Not sure on this issue - I would email the prop mfg's.

For the 912S, the choices are numerous. As Tom mentions, I can't say enough good about the Kiev as long as you don't break it - complete props are likely in stock, but a replacement blade will take a while. Warps are really durable, but a bit heavier. make sure to the get taper tip.

Hope to try out the whirlwind against my Kiev in the coming months. It looks great and fits the Warp hub - and reports are very favorable.

Go check this out for a number of comparisons of other props, most made outside the US www.stolspeed.com, look for prop comparison.

There is also DUC Helices props of France, Woodcomp, and Sensinich 3-blade (Kiev copy).