I have an OS 1.60 on an extra with an apc 18x6W prop. Performance is good, vertical etc... but downline braking is really the pits.

Any suggestions on a better prop? Not needing 3-D I just fly IMAC type manavuers.

Bob downline braking/s effectiveness is determined by a combination of blade area, and freewheeling rpm (the slower the freewheeling rpm, the more drag). Much of the problem is the fact that your 1.60, being a two stroke engine, tends to freewheel at a higher rpm than a four stroke engine like, say, a Saito 1.80 would. Four stroke engines have higher compression which can be felt when you try to flip either engine over by hand (2 stroke engines are easier to flip).

You've got the right prop on it already, and changing it would not help braking, and would cost you performance in other areas IMHO. At one time I had a 12 3/4 pound H9 Cap that had sterling performance with an OS 1.60 and I swapped in a Saito 1.80. On 25% nitro fuel, I still had performance for Intermediate class manuevers, but had noticeably better downline braking which allowed more constant speed manuevers, closing the gap with the "big" boys. This class of plane will never have that "put the brakes on" downline performance of the 1/3 scale and larger planes, though.

I've seen similar planes with the same engine brake much better on a downline ... much better.

I've heard several people mention that vertain brand/size of props brake better. The APC 18x6W is a heavy heavy prop.

I've got more than enough vertical I could trade a lot of vertical away for downline braking. My extra weighs in right at 12 pounds and since I"m not hovering I've got plenty of power.

I've got an Irvine 1.50 with a Menz 18x6 on another extra that brakes a lot better. I'm gonna throw the menz on the extra and see what it does - thought someone might could mention another brand of props I'm not familiar with - buying $45.00 carbon props isn't a problem as long as it's gonna be a prop I'll use.

The 18-6 pro zinger is a good prop. Give that a try.
RickP

For pattern, try an APC17-8. It is a better all round prop. The 18-6 is better for 3-D, but flies the plane really slow for pattern work. Slow means the up-lines are usually short, making the down lines brutally fast. The 17-8 will allow you to extend the up-lines higher, thereby giving you more time on the down lines. It is also very decent for 3-D.

For straight pattern and no 3-D, a 16-10 APC would be the ticket. Again, no more braking on the downs, but the vertical will be very fast and virtually unlimited if your weight is under 12 pounds. If yo have a plane that is fast on the down lines, you have to highten the up-lines to compensate. Like Tim says, you will get no better braking than the 18-6 you are using.....it just isn't much of a pattern prop.

CJ