Sharksj

I have a Saito 100. It recomends a 14 X 10 prop. I could only find a wood 14 x 10 prop.
I found a 14 x 11 plastic prop. Will that work?
What is the difference from a wooded prop Vs. the plastic one.
Thanks.

ChuckW

There are good props in both wood and plastic composites.

Wood looks really nice in my opinion and some are very light. On the down side, they aren't as durable as some plastic props. If you are still prone to prop strikes, stay away from wood.

Some plastic props like Master Airscrew are flexible and stand up to abuse. They can also flex under load resulting in loss of efficiency depending on the particular prop. Others, such as APC don't flex much and make a lot of thrust. Unfortunately, they break easier. Maybe not as easy as wood but more so than the Master Airscrews.

There's not real answer as to what material is better. Each material, each manufacturer and each design has advantages and disadvantages. It boils down to the requirements of the specific application and personal preference. Everything has a place.

What plane will you be using it on?

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

The ideal prop shape is easier to mold than it is to shape. There are also structural limitations that prevent wood props from being designed as thin as composite or plastic. With props, thinness is good. The saving grace with wood is lightness and the fact that they will break in a crash easier than a key internal engine component will. In the real world of the sport flyer, it boils down to application and personal preferences. I don't think there is a one size fits all answer to which is best.
For the most part, it is hard to beat APC.

ChuckW

Definitely

Sharksj

I will be using it on an Extra 300.

doubledee

My Feedback: (4)

APC, for sure. Much larger variety of pitch/sizes.

jaka

Hi!
Saito doesn't recommend 14x10 for All airplanes!!
It certainly isn't suitable for your Extra!
Go with a 14x7, 14x8 or 15x6 APC! Never ever Master A (except the Scimitar series)!!

flyinrog

My Feedback: (1)

If your still prone to prop strikes, its better to use wood and break a prop than use plastic and damage the engine, first flights, or heavy planes should go with wood.....Rog

ChuckW

I understand your point and the theory behind it. It makes sense but I've seen a lot of Master Airscrew props on trainers, including my own, that flexed when they hit the ground. Damage to the prop is usually minimal and I've never seen it hurt an engine. I've also seen guys go through several wood props in a day and that can get expensive.

I suppose the best way to guarantee no problems is to avoid hitting the prop in the first place though.

2slow2matter

My Feedback: (1)

don't use a 14X10 prop on that engine, it will load it too much. 14X8 is perfect, and 15X6 is perfect. 15X7 APC MAYBE, but no more.