Prop for DLE or DA85 help please
 

Just wondering what props everyone is using on these engines? TIA

I have three - 3W 85's and as an all rounder 26X10. You can expect over 6 k plus i get 6400 max. and for me thats plenty but it all depends on the prop.and what type of aircraft and set up you want.
These are big engines not designed for monster revs.

My DLE85 seems best with a 26-10. Excellent combination.

Okay thanks, which brand prop is it.

Hi John, i have used most brands. I did two $150 props. in one weekend so since then i use Hobby King props. Two blade wood or carbon. These larger Chinese props are better made then the smaller ones. I find they balance out no problem and as yet have not had a failure just me hitting the ground does them in.

Thanks, $40.-$50. Props are plenty good for me. Even that’s kind of rich for me. Don’t want to collect them. Not trying to start a prop museum.

How do you balance your props? I know the Xoar comes already balanced but once it is drilled for the hub shouldn’t it be balanced again? Thanks.

Hi John i use a normal dubro balancer but not in its plastic base as the props are to big. I have a slatted table with one slat removed and the balancer each side of the missing slat. I drill holes for the balancer rods to slide in. The prop can then swing through 360 degrees. When i have to ajust a blade i do not take off material. I use matt spray varnish and give the light blade a coat on the tip about 2-3 inches it dries pretty quick and do other things while the prop is turning or waiting for the tip to dry. Sometimes it takes a few coats, being matt shows up which end you are working on and if you overdo just wipe it off with thinners and have another go.

I've messed with a LOT of props, Falcon carbon seem to stand out above others for most applications unless you're looking for something specific like a WW II prop or vintage or something.

While I agree completely that Falcon carbon props are great props and I use them regularly, they are expensive and not required in many applications. For many users, carbon props would serve little purpose other than being an expensive luxury. We're fortunate today to have a wide choice of quality wood props such as Xoar, Xoar laminated, Falcon wood, plus several other brands and these perform very well for most applications. Carbon offers lighter weight, a bit better performance, perhaps less prop noise in some cases and a more durable hub that will not compress but at almost twice the cost of a good wood prop. The quality wood props are pre balanced though these as well as carbon props should be checked for balance before use and corrected if needed. Not criticizing any product there, just stating there are choices.

Hello again, Well I got a tru turn prop balancer and I don’t see how the little pieces of nylon tubing are supposed to stay tight. What are you all doing to fix this? I am going to try small set screw collars. I will install them so the set screws oppose each othe on the shaft so they don’t affect the balance.

Put up a photo.

Well, the balancer worked fine and I even balanced the metal hub. Thanks for checking in.