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Performance propeller

Performance Propeller

I run one on my RV-4 with a hotrodded IO-360 PV. It’s smoothness is unsurpassed and I’m capable of 220 mph speeds.
Frank from Performance who was trained by Clark Lydick the founder of the company who actually got his start from Bernie Warne. Long line of craftsman but sadly no more. I bought a spare for my plane before Frank hung it up so hopefully Im good for awhile. If you get the chance to try one you won’t be disappointed as long as you get the desired pitch that meets you compromise of climb vs cruise.
 
Performance

Performance Propellers is now in the Chicago area. Two brothers trained by Frank and they took over the business.
Morris??? Il. I'll post more info when I find it.
 
Performance vs Catto prop

I've had a Performance and Catto props on my RV-4, 160 hp. Both companies are GREAT and will custom fit the parameters for you. My props are designed for higher rpms for aerobatics. I found very little difference between the two when comparing airspeed vs rpm. The Performance prop gets off the ground quicker, but the Catto has better acceleration between 90 and 120 knots, and a few knots fasterWOT. Both are very tough (60 layers of maple vs wood/composite) with bolt torques around 35 ft pounds. If you e-mail me with an e-mail address, I can send you my testing with graphs. Nice to have both interchangeable props with same weight but different spinners.
Bill McLean:D
RV-4 slider
lower Alabama
 
Recommendation for spinner 3 blade perf prop

Lucky me just bought a 3 blade performance prop - looking for recommendations on spinner?
 
gordiem said:
Lucky me just bought a 3 blade performance prop - looking for recommendations on spinner?
Click to expand...

Hi Gordon, just order the kit from Van's: https://store.vansaircraft.com/spinner-kit-for-wooden-fixed-pitch-propellers-spinner-fp-13.html.
They're on back-order, but you have time...

One thing is worth asking Van's about: does the spinner bowl come with blade cutouts or is it completely blank? If it comes with cutouts already, it's probably for a 2-blade. The (ancient) one I got from Van's was blank.

Heinrich
 
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Thanks Heinrich. I asked Vans if their spinner could be ordered “blank”. We’ll see.
Regards, Gordon
 
I am the new caretaker of Performance Propeller and now located in NJ. We expect to have props shipping out by Q1 2026.

D
 
Just an updated, perfomance prop is back up and running and making props. If you need a prop, reach out and we will take care of you.

Dan
 
hordi said:
More details?
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Hi Hordi, not sure what kind of details you’re looking for but performance prop was purchased by myself/fairings-etc. last year and have moved the manufacturing to NJ. We are fully operational and can make bespoke 2 or 3 blade props for any engine from 20hp to 300hp.

Performance Prop has been in business since the late 80’s and have made blades for pretty much anything you can think of including all Vans airframes. We just completed a 2 blade prop for an RV3 customer who has confirmed he gained 20kts over his last blade and noted that our blade was the smoothest blade he has ever flown behind. (I am not certain of what pitch blade he had before so mileage may vary.)

Also, we just completed a 3 blade for a 540 powered pitts (see pic attached) and again, our blade was noted as extremely smooth, hit all the numbers wanted and had no resonance issues.

Feel free to check out the website or meet us at SnF (building C, booth 93) and OSH!

We will have blades on display and for sale with obvious show specials!

So stop by, say hi and see what we are all about.

Dan
 

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dmat said:
Hi Hordi, not sure what kind of details you’re looking for but performance prop was purchased by myself/fairings-etc. last year and have moved the manufacturing to NJ. We are fully operational and can make bespoke 2 or 3 blade props for any engine from 20hp to 300hp.

Performance Prop has been in business since the late 80’s and have made blades for pretty much anything you can think of including all Vans airframes. We just completed a 2 blade prop for an RV3 customer who has confirmed he gained 20kts over his last blade and noted that our blade was the smoothest blade he has ever flown behind. (I am not certain of what pitch blade he had before so mileage may vary.)

Also, we just completed a 3 blade for a 540 powered pitts (see pic attached) and again, our blade was noted as extremely smooth, hit all the numbers wanted and had no resonance issues.

Feel free to check out the website or meet us at SnF (building C, booth 93) and OSH!

We will have blades on display and for sale with obvious show specials!

So stop by, say hi and see what we are all about.

Dan
Click to expand...
Just wanted to +1 for Performance Propeller - I am running a three blade on my Pitts S-1E and am extremely pleased. It's as close to constant speed as you can get with 1/5th of the weight. I've spoken with Dan several times regarding light maintenance on my current prop (it's pushing 11 years of aerobatics) as well as ordering a new one down the road. I've found him to be very helpful with supporting the props and honest on his timelines and cost.
Dan, I'll be sure to reach out to you when the time comes for service/replacement on the Pitts!
 
JRSB said:
Just wanted to +1 for Performance Propeller - I am running a three blade on my Pitts S-1E and am extremely pleased. It's as close to constant speed as you can get with 1/5th of the weight. I've spoken with Dan several times regarding light maintenance on my current prop (it's pushing 11 years of aerobatics) as well as ordering a new one down the road. I've found him to be very helpful with supporting the props and honest on his timelines and cost.
Dan, I'll be sure to reach out to you when the time comes for service/replacement on the Pitts!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the kind words.

I am looking forward to making yours! I already have an idea in my head :)

D
 
Great propellers! I had one of Clark’s PP props on my RV3 2 decades ago and now, one of the last one’s that Frank made before selling the business to the brothers in Chicago. This one is on my Acroduster and smooth and powerful at 3K rpm. Ramp Appeal is superb as well. I’m glad to hear someone else is keeping the business alive!👍
 
One of the unique things about Performance Propeller props is the *anhedral design. It is very noticeable when viewed from the side and has real performance benefits. Maybe the new owner would like to speak to that?..
 
Thanks for pointing that out and yes, the anhedral is very intentional.

On our prop designs, the slight anhedral you’re seeing is part of how we manage load distribution and blade efficiency through the rotation arc. By dropping the blade tips slightly, we’re able to better align the blade sections with the relative airflow, especially in real-world conditions where inflow isn’t perfectly axial.

What that translates to in practice:
• More consistent angle of attack along the blade
• Reduced induced losses at the tips
• Smoother loading, which helps with vibration characteristics
• Noticeable gains in climb and overall efficiency

It’s one of those things that stands out visually, but it’s really there because it works and it’s tried and true design—not just for looks.

Again, thanks for the call out.

D
 
Thanks for that explanation, Dan. They really are the closest thing you get to a constant speed prop without the expense, complexity, maintenance requirements and weight disadvantage. My new prop weighs 15 lbs and is a real beauty.

The prop Clark built for my RV3 (pumped up O-320) would exceed vne @ sea level and outperform my buddy’s Extra 300 on formation take offs. He could climb with me or stay with me, but he couldn’t climb and stay with me at the same time.

Here is another feature I really like about PP props….the ability to “unload” when the power is chopped and the resulting braking action. I suspect another advantage of the anhedral design and the ability of the prop to flex so much.

I’m so glad you picked up the design and manufacturing and wishing you great things!
 
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