Update on the Blade CP parts experiment:

The Plastic CP Pro replaement blades weighed in at 15.9g compared to the factory Blades weighing in at 14.2g. The factory Axe Paddles weigh 2.2g and the Blade paddles weigh 3.9g. I increased the rotor pitch by one full rotation on the linkages in an effort to generate more lift at the same head speed and compensate for the shorter narrower blades. The results were the same as before. Just not a functional combination. I'm going to try the Blade CP Paddles with the stock blades today. I am guessing that the heavier weight and smaller surface area will make them less responsive. If it doesn't work well with the Blade paddles, I am going to drill a hole in the Axe paddles for a scew/nut locking system like the blade paddles and see if it is not a bit more durable.