I have built the F18 pusher and need some help with my prop and gear combo. I'm looking for the best performance out of what I got. Here is what I'm running at this moment.

20 oz FFF F-18 Pusher (Thanks Steve)
1500 Kokam 3 cell battery
2025-4200 Himaxx 5.53:1 gear ratio (6.6:1 and 4.4:1 available)
e-flite 20amp ESC
9x7 SF Prop.

I have good performance with this setup but I think it's just the middle of the road for this setup. I'm new to electric flight and really don't have any idea how to stay within the limits of this setup and achieve more speed and torque. I want to increase veritcal performance as well as top speed.

Any prop to gear ratio combo that can be recommended to achieve my desired result without burning something up would be GREATLY Appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Hudson,I have the same plane.I used the AXI 2212-20 on 3-s with an apc-e prop(not the slo-fly),and climb+ speed was very good for this plane,however,I to wanted MORE performance,so I put a 4s pack in,dropped dn to6.5x6.5 grapner "speed prop"and speed went way up with a slight decline in verticle.Still not quite satisfied,I put an AXI 2808-20 in and ran it on 4s with a 7x6 speed prop and wella---performance is nothing short of SPACTULAR!!!!!
In your case,I'm not sure,but if it were me,I'd try dropping the ratio to about 4:1 and start playing with different props--do not use "slow-fly props" as they distort at high RPMs and will actually use more amps than an equivelent "e"-tipe prop.If your really looking for speed,forget APC props alltogrther and go with carbon blades---very pricey though,but then speed never comes cheap!!! Here's a pic of my F-18 in the back yard with the original set-up.BTW,I think your gear ratio is meant fot slow-flight and 3D.Of course if you could hover that thing---what a gass!!!!!!!

Thanks c-grain! Your Blue Angel looks Awesome!! I'm going to try what you recommended and I will let you know what comes about.

Thanks again!