Sensenich & Hartzell
Both these companies have recognized the experimental market. They support it by making products that have experimental aircraft, RV's in particular in mind. They test extensively and work with the kit maker (Van) and us builders to make products tailored for our use. The Sensenich might as well be called the RV prop. It was made for RV speeds, with typical RV power plants (Lycoming).
Like Sensenich, Hartzell's blended airfoil prop line released recently had the faster homebuilt market in mind. In fact Hartzell flight tested props on modified experimental engines, with high comp pistons and electronic ignition, specifically on RV airframes. The point is these companies are making products for us. Using or adapting a prop for other applications are going to be lacking. Specifically fixed pitch metal props used on experimental aircraft have prove to be un-sat or dangerous, producing tragic results. The old trick was to cut down and re-pitch fixed props off of slower planes for faster homebuilts. The result was catastrophic prop failure and loss of airframe.
The point of the above, seemingly a sales pitch, is when dealing with metal props you must test it to assure it will be safe with the engine and airframe. Modification or use of a fixed pitch prop outsides it's limits or design is a big no no.
I do not think McCauley has decided to target the homebuilt market and make specific models for our aircraft, but I could be wrong. Sensenich has been working on there design and refining it for over 10 years. The result are pretty spectacular. It is a no brainer purchase in my opinion, if you want a metal fixed pitch prop. In my opinion it is the absolute best fixed pitch prop choice overall. I prefer constant speed props, but admire the value and performance the fixed pitch Sensenich provides. Based on the fact it was designed and tested for the RV assures close to max efficency you can get from a fixed pitch prop. IT DOES NOT MAKE OTHER PROP BRANDS BAD, PERFORMANCE, VALUE AND OWNERSHIP ARE BETTER OVERALL WITH THE SENSENICH AND HARTZELL. G