Icurrently am running a 12x6 prop on my plane, and was just wondering what a change in prop size will do for me. What will an increase or decreasein diameter do? What will an increase or decrease in pitch do? This is assuming the same type of prop of course, as I know that different companys props react differently, and that all 12x6 props arent the same. Just looking for some basic info here. Thanks in advance.

Shortest, easiest way for me to explain is: Larger diameter requires more power to spin and moves larger volume of air, smaller diameter spins quicker and at higher RPM using less power. The pitch can be thought of as how far forward the prop moves with each revolution. A lower pitch prop will provide more torque to instantly yank your plane into the sky, a higher pitch will produce a higher top speed, but it takes longer to build up that speed, especially on take off. You have to find the perfect middle ground between that instant torque and speed based on your engine and plane. Sometimes experimenting is the only way to find it.

Thanks for the reply. I currently have a 12x6 on my 1020kv 480 size motor, running on a 3S Lipo, and performance seems pretty good.What im looking for is similar performance, but longer battery life, andmaybe a little quicker response, so judging by what you stated earlier, I'm guessing something a little smaller in diameter is gonna be what im looking for. Maybe i'll try an 11x6 or an 11 x 5. Sound right?

Longer prop with a smaller pitch= more torque for better vertical pull, shorter take off runs, slower landings and will slow down the top speed of your plane. A smaller prop with a higher pitch= a faster top speed. If you look in a tower talk at the APC prop selection they now lable them for use. Sport, pattern and 3-D. If you look at the pitches you will get a pretty good idea of the pitch use.

if you are trying to reduce battery draw but keep the same speed (in theory) try the 11x6
or if you want to go alittle faster (or the same speed as the 11x6 just with less amp draw) a 10x8 may do it for you, just try a few and see what works, its harder to pick a prop for electric motor than a nitro engine

Right, as he said, it is normally OK to go DOWN in size or pitch on electrics, but going up in size or pitch can be VERY dangerous.

Your best bet is to buy and use a Watt meter ( not a typical ohmmeter available at Rat Shack! ) and use that to determine if the props you are using are OK.

Also the prop you CAN use is dependant upon motor characteristics, battery power & voltage, ESC limits and heat dissapation....

With a glow engine you can swap props at will and see what works best without risking damage...
You start with the engine and work to the best prop combo.

It is NOT the same with electrics! With electrics you START with the prop ( and desired weight/performance of the plane ) and work to the electronics.


FYI:

I use a 12x7e on my .25 equivalent motors. I have blown that same motor when I forgot and put a 13x6e prop on it.

You may ( or may not ) be running your smaller 480 motor right at it's limits, so going up in size could be doubly risky.

Yea, a 12x6 on most 480 motors is pushing your luck. Get a watt meter. If you going to fly electric and play with diffrant props, it is a MUST have item. This is the one I use. $24

http://www.hobbypartz.com/26p-twometer.html

I hear a lot of people wanting to change the prop and get longer run times with the same performance. Doesn't really work that way, you will always have to give up something, one way or the other. Going down in prop size will give you longer run times, but will cost a little in climbing power. The only way to get longer run times with the same prop is the get a bigger battery.

I was posting before you mentioned electric. They are a bit more of a mystery for me {under statement} and there are other things to think about when selecting props. I know so little about them I just use the props that come with the motors instructions and stick with the one that works best for me.