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I've heard that a 3 blade is better for a 4-cylinder engine because the beats are offset so it feels smoother and is quieter than a 2-blade+4-cylinder that share the same cycle. YMMV.
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One more thing to add to your lists of pros and cons for each
It used to be that it took a LOT (read months and months) longer for a 3-blade than a 2-blade. Not sure if that's still true, but you might want to check with Craig if that would be a factor in your decision. It only took 2-3 months for my 2-blade.
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Quote:
Thanks. davidd010@earthlink.net |
I've got a Catto 3 blade on my Pitts S1S (I know, I know... it's not an RV) with a high compression IO-360. I Can't testify to the smoothness change because it's all I've had but the prop looks great and performs really well.
I had it pitched for 3000RPM at 175 kts and it's on the money. Nickel leading edges look awesome too. I had mine in 10 weeks to Australia from when I ordered it, although I was grounded so Craig put me up the front of the list somewhere. |
Fancy seeing you here Critchy!
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Sounds great too
I've got a Catto three blade prop on my -8 and I absolutely love it. Smooth as silk.
I get a lot of comments from other RV owners about how sexy it looks too. One unexpected benefit though,is the way it sounds. While I've not heard it myself, everyone tells me that it sounds like a Reno racer. Craig Catto is a neat guy and a great person to work with. Steve |
Is one faster...
than the other?
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One, Two Three, Four?
James,
I get to fly alot of RV prop/engine combinations and compare performance and have tested 9 different props on my RV-4 and RV6X. Alot depends on your budget and the type flying you enjoy. 0-320 the 2 blade Catto, MT and Hertzler provide slightly less climb but are faster in cruise than the three blade Catto and PP. Only Margie Warnke's Three blade Claw is faster than 2 but she is retired. The 3 blade Catto has and still is an absolute work of art and is a bit smoother. However comma, the new Catto 2 blade I am currently testing on my 0-320 is turbine smooth. See previous thread. 0-360: The Catto three blade excels on the 0-360 with excellent performance across the board. If you have lots of $$$ the Hartzell BA C/S is a phenomenal combination on the 0-360. Craigs three blade however will match it in cruise and efficiency above 8000'. IO-540 The Harmon Rocket excels with the Hartzell HCY "Paddle" (mine had the "D" twist) two blade. The "J" twist blades are optimized at 2300 RPM, the D 2500. Several Rocket guys using the WW three blade report excellent performance. The MT three blade is slightly slower but excellent climb and smoothness. The RV-10 prop of choice is the Hartzell BA two blade in my humble opinion. Tom Martin has a derivative on his F-1 reporting impressive numbers as well. A long answer to a short question...:) Smokey |
Thanks all!
Thanks for the great replies!
I think i'm pretty sold on the 2-bladed prop because it's cheaper and faster. I'll have to ask Craig if the standard 2-blade he's making now is the same as the one Smokey is testing. Better acceleration and climb performance is fun. But in reality I don't feel that is a limiting factor for me; as in, either prop will get me into and out of the shortest runways I would consider landing on. I'll trade climb performance for cruise performance every time. Cheers! |
Been @ the ranch and out of internet touch... send me an email with your email address if you would like a copy of the article. :)
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