Someone posted on here to me about trying a different brand of prop. I have a master airscrew k series 12x6 on my hangar 9 p51 sport 40. I have an os55ax in it. they said try aa APC prop. I thought a for example 12x6 was a 12x6 no matter who makes the prop? What am I missing here or what do i need to learn? Thanks

No such luck, all 12x6's are not created alike. BUT, some things are better experienced first hand? Things like blade shape, composition and flex can all add up to make noticeable differences to discerning fliers - but might never be noticed by a first season sport flyer still working on consistent landings?

Nothing to be too concerned about IMHO, but if you break that MA, trying the APC isn't likely to put you out much.

Just like a 9-iron is a 9-iron is a 9-iron.

Kurt

I take a hand full of props in the approximate size range and fly them, sometimes the one I like best is surprising.

APC are said to give better thrust than the same pitch MasterAirscrew. I believe the airfoil shape of the blade is different than the MA. That being said I have used both APC and MA on all my planes I have had. I'm not one to want to need to squeak out every bit of performance possible so my criteria for prop selection is different. I want a prop that is durable. APC's shatter with almost any kind of contact when the engine is running, and I do mean with a lot of energy. MA's tend to just nick the tips and a little bit of sanding well get them back into the air. Just my 2cents

skeeter

Try a Xoar. I have found them to be the best pulling prop. Tower sells them.

Punchline - The numbers are the diameter and pitch of the propeller.
Within those parameters there are many different geometries - including blade shape, blade thickness, blade cross-section, prop materials etc.. All of these affect a props performance characteristics.

The diameter and pitch just give you a starting point.

Only you can be the judge, fly each and see. And realize that manufacturers have been known to fudge numbers, not saying who.

There is quite a difference between brands. APC is great. On larger models I like Xoar or Pro-Zinger. You might be amazed swapping from a Master Airscrew to an APC. And, APC may have sport, pattern, pylon, warbird, 3D, IMAC, etc. of the same diameter and pitch! They are much stiffer than MA and seem to hold their shape better.

I am allergic to APC props, they make my fingers bleed.

You're supposed to let go once the engine starts..

I will try that next time.

It's like what Justin Wilson, the now deceased Cajun chef used to answer when asked, "What is the best wine?".

His answer was always "the one you like".

Same goes for props

I'd have to agree with the posts aforementioned, HOWEVER there's a HUGE difference between a "Master Airscrew" Nylon and K Series props versus the Scimitar (Maple Wood) and "Nylon Grey" (sort of Scimitar shaped) Series Propellers. I'm excluding three and four blade props. In my experience, the Maple Scimitar and the "Nylon Grey" series props from Master Airscrew seem to give just as much performance as the APC props, and the "Nylon Grey" series props are becoming one of my favorites. With that said, I do believe that the wooden props of just about any manufacturer seem to spool up quicker whether its a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. APC props are GREAT, but they seem to be heavy and break almost as easy as wooden props. (probably because I'm still learning how to land after about 20 years...LOL)

Just my humble opinion based on past and previous experience.

If you nick the tips of your props stick with Master Airscrew, if you dont try the APCs.

I am finding myself using the grey nylon MA Scimitar props on my two strokes more often these days. But like I said I enjoy testing several different brands, types , sizes on my plane to get the best one for my particular flying style.

So "rcjetflyer0718-RCU" are you actually saying that you NEVER NICK your props, or do you just think I'm a bad pilot......WOW. Just giving you a hard time........LOL. I actually use APC props quite a bit. Just an FYI.

Actually I was replying to the OP. I haven't fiqured out this new posting system. It depends on what plane im flying some tend to tip real easy so I fly with MasterAirscrews, so it wont cost a prop every flight.

Yea, when I lived in GA, we had both grass and asphalt runway, obviously it was a LOT easier to nick or break a prop on the asphalt. I now, unfortunately live in Illinois and our club just installed a 30x150ft mat type runway, the funny thing is that NOW the props can nick or cut the runway. We mainly laid it down for the electrics and small Nitro type planes. Sure makes it a LOT easier to take off than from the grass when you've got a small plane.

Anyway, good to see you can take some ribbing.

Happy flying!