2 vs. 3 blade rotors

[NCFRC]

I dumb question about 2 vs. 3 blade rotors.

It seems like the far majority of quads are using a 2 blade rotor.
I'm curious about the pro's and con's of a 2 vs. 3.

I picked up some 3 blade rotors for my Syma X5 " mostly because they
were $2.50 set " and they seem ok . Their slightly smaller in diameter
and seem to require a little more rpms to lift but thats just here in the
house as it was -22 here this week.

 

[holtneil]

Hi mate normally if you use a tri blades you can come down 1 inch in size and get same lift

 

[NCFRC]

I think the tri blades just sound different , which makes them sound like their
turning a higher rpm.
These cheap Chinese ones are very generic compared to what your probably running.

 

[holtneil]

Hi i only run carbon fibre as i has 3 plastic blades snap all at the same time what a crash that was , this is what i run now 14x5.5

 

[heath]

3 blades give more thrust compared to 2 blades of the same diameter. However, it is less efficient - meaning more work by the motors which means more drain on the batteries which means shorter flight time. If you're constrained to a certain diameter but want the extra thrust and don't mind sacrificing the efficiency, then go for the 3-blade. But if you can step up a size in 2-blade props, then do that instead. There are all sorts of opinions on this and that is mine.

 

[NCFRC]

Thanks for the input guys. You have "real" quads ,not toys like ours.

The replacement 3 blade rotors for a Syma X5 are a real joke , not worth the time to try.

 

[Technut]

I bought a set of 3 blade props for Mt 350qx and noticed a big drop in flight time as compared to 2 blade props. But looks really cool!

 

[GJH105775]

I notice 3 blade props on racers more than anything. They are also supposed to get more "traction", meaning you can bank harder and pull out of harder dives and whatnot.

 

[holtneil]

Hi mate also on tri blades you need to reduce the size so if you run 9 inch prop normal a tri blade needs to be 8 inch no bigger , But what pitch did you get if pitch is to high this will reduce flight times

 

[Chuck]

I have an Ai Freedom II drone, that appears to use the same propellers as the Syma X8 series drones. Is there a three blade propeller available for the larger Syma drones? I'm not going to be racing or flips with this drone, but plan some modifications to extend it's maximum flight time, and payload capabilities.

 

[GJH105775]

I have an Ai Freedom II drone, that appears to use the same propellers as the Syma X8 series drones. Is there a three blade propeller available for the larger Syma drones? I'm not going to be racing or flips with this drone, but plan some modifications to extend it's maximum flight time, and payload capabilities.View attachment 1752 View attachment 1753

You could use tri-blade props but it will actually decrease flight times. Lower efficiency due to the higher amp draw and less thrust per amp drawn. If you want to know more I can give you some raw data I've collected while working on a product review I plan to post soon after things get all worked out. I can't post it publicly just yet though, so it'll have to be through PM.

 

[Altsickeness]

Tried 3 blad on my syma. Reduced flight time is the only thing I noticed.

 

[GJH105775]

Tried 3 blad on my syma. Reduced flight time is the only thing I noticed.

Reduced flight time, and if you had more freedom with the controls and power for the motors you'd be able to see the real reason hey are used. You can feel as if they have more "traction" when you change directions because the increased surface area gives them a better bite in the air. I like them, but there are many places that they are not helpful.

 

[Altsickeness]

Reduced flight time, and if you had more freedom with the controls and power for the motors you'd be able to see the real reason hey are used. You can feel as if they have more "traction" when you change directions because the increased surface area gives them a better bite in the air. I like them, but there are many places that they are not helpful.

I believe thats the case. Ive never used 3 blade on brushless racer. Someday I might give it a try.

 

[GJH105775]

I believe thats the case. Ive never used 3 blade on brushless racer. Someday I might give it a try.

Make sure to check your ESCs, motor, and battery specs first though

 

[DuaneM]

Well this answered all the questions I had about the three blade systems! I'll be staying with the two blade system.

 

[holtneil]

Bull nose blades are ment to be very good , also if you can fit a duct around them this helps too