Would be great to get info from guys flying RV9a with a O-320 (160hp) setups to help on our decision!
Thanks
I have used both the Catto two blade and now the whirlwind ground adjustable. Both props perform the same in my opinion. My Catto was a bit underpitched, or at least so I thought, and I did not want to wait for a repitch, had a buyer for it so I installed a whirlwind ground adjustable which was readily available. The GA is 2" more diameter, equally as smooth. I adjust it in the winter when I dont need the climb performance. Will probably need to add one more degree of pitch now that I installed two Pmags.
Both props top out at 158-162 KTAS on any given day/altitude. 65% power is usually about +/-140 KTAS and 75% power usually +/-150 KTAS.
Have never flown a Sensi (GA or Metal). Comparing to BruceH, who has a Sensi GA and same plane, I think he has similar speeds but with his fuel injection and dual Pmags gets less GPH running LOP.
Most my flights are no higher than 6.5, would really like to spend some time up high (12-14) to get the most value out of my -9A.
The Sensi GA has preset pin holes for setting pitch, which makes it easier. The Whirlwind has infinite pitch settings but both blades are set seperately, which is more difficult. I can repitch the blades in about 30-45 minutes.
Catto, Sensi and Whirlwind all have Nickel Leading Edges (or at least options for NLE, which i would not pass on). The NLE on my whirlwind looks like new after 200 hours. I also had an MT prop on my 182 with NLE and it too seemed indestructible to FOD.
I would like to try a three blade Catto some time or a whirlwind Constant Speed. The constant speed would make for a pretty heavy -9A though and it would be a pain to add the controls.
Can't go wrong with any above but the FP Metal Sensi is probably the least expensive. I sold my Catto to an RV-6A guy who swapped it for his metal Sensi; he could not get his RPMs up with the the metal club but boy did he have a grin on his face after flying that two blade Catto for the first time.
Hope this helps.