I've never NOT balanced a prop. An OOB prop can damage your engine, cost performance, and even shake your airplane apart.

Most composite props are pretty well in balance from the factory. Wooden props can be perfectly in balance, or so OOB that they tilt your workbench. ALL props should be checked.

I use the little Dubro teeter balancer. It works well, needs no setup, and is easy to use. If a prop gently swings down to the heavy side, I balance it. If the heavy blade slams down to the workbench, I take the prop back and exchange it.

I do NOT recommend sanding any prop, especially a composite prop, to balance it. I spray a light coat of clear poly-u on the front of the light blade until the prop balances. Use light coats and let dry between each one. Drying can be accellerated by putting the prop in a 200 degree oven or using a covering heat gun on it.

Dr.1