Dec. 09, 2024
Propellers are a critical component of any FPV drone, and understanding the basics is essential for getting started in the hobby. The right propellers can make your drone fly faster, smoother, and more efficiently, while the wrong ones can cause instability and poor performance. In this guide, Ill break down everything you need to know about FPV drone propellers and share my top recommendations.
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Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these affiliate links. This helps support the free content for the community on this website. Please read our Affiliate Link Policy for more information. Propeller RecommendationsPropellers come in various designs and sizes, each tailored for specific flight styles and purposes. Factors like pitch, shape, and material significantly impact performance. After years of testing and experience, Ive narrowed down some of the best propellers for different use cases.
Best 5 PropsBest All-Rounder
The HQ 5×4.3×3 V2S is a fantastic all-purpose propeller. Its linear throttle response gives precise control across the entire throttle range, making your drone feel snappy and connected. Its also well-balanced, reducing vibrations and helping with smooth tuning.
Get the HQ 5×4.3×3 from:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DneZBnf
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dlBRDF
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-9yhl
Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-5lqa
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-v2u8
Best for Racing
The Gemfan Hurricane is designed for speed and agility. Its lightweight, with an optimized blade design for quick RPM changes, giving you plenty of punch in the higher throttle range. They are also pretty durable. Bent props? Just bend it back and keep flying!
Get the Gemfan Hurricane -3 from:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDe02Ep
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-dsex
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OvWfSF
Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-v2r2
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-cn2c
Best for Cinematic
If smoothness and efficiency are your priorities, the HQ 5.1×2.5×3 delivers exceptional results. Its low pitch allows quick RPM changes, improving propwash handling and making it ideal for cinematic footage.
Get the HQ 5.1×2.5×3 from:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdUbvuD
Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-rwfl
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ipbz
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-io66
Most Durable
For everyday practice or rough flying, the DAL Cyclone C is a great choice. These durable and affordable props can take a beating, making them perfect for beginners or bashing around.
Get the Cyclone from:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcJD917
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-hzrz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eyUXRh
Best 5 Props for Sub250
Exceptionally efficient for sub250 5inch
The HQ T5x3 is an excellent choice for sub-250g builds, particularly with or motors. Its exceptionally efficient without compromising performance.
Product Page:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDlqcI1
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-oe2l
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-58rm
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-mnv6
Versatile Option with Decent Performance
Designed for long-range sub-250g builds, this prop offers decent performance with great efficiency. Its versatile design supports both T-mounts and standard 5mm prop nuts.
Product Page:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DchZptP
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-y6r9
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-h159
Best 7 Props
Best All Rounder
A top performer for 7 drones, the HQ DP 7×3.5×3 is responsive, low-vibration, and provides excellent thrust output.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFwLMm1
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-1pv4
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-vyis
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3p0ABvl
For Heavy Lifters
These props are ideal for cinelifters and heavy rigs, offering great stability and thrust for carrying larger payloads.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlLzfwD
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-zl0g
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-et2i
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NuSH2S
For Long Range
Optimized for long-range builds, these lightweight props work well on smaller motors like .
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCARRpL
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-9mms
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nmZFvW
Best 3 Props for Freestyle
Ideal props for power and speed.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFtUlwP
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-hgtx
Best 3 Props for Cinewhoops
Ideal for power and lifting heavy.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmAc4Kj
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3x2Wf6q
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-qbay
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-mwgx
For low noise (without lifting a GoPro).
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD27gkR
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Vr0XEm
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-1mau
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-7ang
Best 3.5 Props for Freestyle
Ideal for power and speed.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlikjIn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45c74zL
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ww9m
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-se61
All rounder for freestyle builds.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBGKLHz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e5kd1H
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-gvub
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-s2r3
Best 3.5 Props for Cinewhoops
Ideal for power and lifting heavy.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDIXhTD
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c0T2mK
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-2jb8
Relatively low power for cinewhoops, but one of the quietest. If you intend to carry a GoPro, its better to pick the DT90MMX3.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBGKLHz
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4e5kd1H
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-gvub
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-s2r3
Best 2 Props for Cinewhoops
The choice for responsiveness and handling.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDsRiB3
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-vgnx
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U8McFw
Great efficiency and flight time.
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcfVjt3
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-iil5
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dNFtYz
Best Tiny Whoop Props
For Tiny Whoop propeller recommendations, check out my recommendations here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#31mm-Propellers-for-65mm-Whoops
How Does a Propeller Work?Propellers (or just props) generate thrust by spinning rapidly, pushing air downward. Each blade has an airfoil shape, creating a pressure difference: lower pressure above and higher pressure below. This difference generates lift, propelling the drone upward or forward.
The front edge of the blade is called leading edge, which cuts into the air first. It splits the airflow, directing some over the curved surface (generating low pressure) and some under the flatter side (higher pressure). The rear edge of the blade is called Trailing Edge, where the airflow recombines. The combined pressure difference across the blade surfaces generates lift.
Fun Fact: FPV drones cant fly in space because theres no air for the propellers to move.
Understanding Propeller Specifications
FPV drone propellers are typically defined by three main dimensions: size, pitch, and blade count. These are often written as a set of numbers, such as 5x4x3 or ×3.
Size (Diameter)The first number, like the 5 in 5x4x3, represents the diameter of the propeller in inches. This is the diameter of the circular area the prop creates when spinning.
FPV drone frames are usually categorized by propeller size the biggest propeller they can run. You should always use the intended propeller size on your frame to maximize performance.
PitchThe second number, such as the 4 in 5x4x3, represents the pitch of the propeller. This refers to how far the prop would theoretically move forward in one rotation if there were no air resistance (measured in inches). Its similar to how a screw moves through a solid material with each turn.
The third number (e.g., the 3 in 5x4x3) indicates the number of blades on the propeller. Common options include:
Increasing the number of blades effectively increases the surface area, allowing the propeller to produce more thrust. This is similar to using a larger propeller but you can fit it in a smaller disk area. However, with additional blades it requires more torque form the motors to spin it. If the motor isnt powerful enough, it reduces responsiveness. It can also reduce your flight time significantly due to the higher current draw.
For FPV drone pilots, both two and three-blade propellers are popular options. Most pilots prefer three-blade propellers for racing and freestyle, as they have a more balanced performance in terms of efficiency and power, they provide more grip in the air due to the extra surface area compared to two-blade. On the other hand, two-blade is usually more efficient as they creates less drag and draw less current, hence they are more popular for long range builds.
There are propellers with more than 3 blades, such as quad-blade, 5-blade and hex-blade propellers. Quad-blade propellers are said to be great for indoor tracks and cornering, but they are less efficient than tri-blade and spin at a lower RPM at a given power. Hex-blade propellers are not recommended for normal flight due to its extreme inefficiency, but micro cinewhoops sometimes use propellers with high blade count to improve power without sacrificing their compact form factor.
Weight
The weight of a propeller significantly impacts drone performance. Generally, lighter propellers offer better performance due to their lower moment of inertia, allowing motors to change RPM more quickly. This makes your drone feel more responsive and nimble. Heavier propellers have more mass on each blade and require a more powerful motor to spin them. This can lead to higher torque loading, making the motor work harder and possibly decreasing overall performance, including responsiveness and efficiency. Lighter props also work better with a wider range of motors because they require less torque to spin up.
The weight distribution of the blades also matters. With the center of mass nearer the hub makes the prop easier to spin and stop, improving responsiveness. However, that means the tip would be the thinner and may be more prone to breaking in crashes. With the weight nearer to the tip, youd experience greater drag and makes it harder to accelerate or decelerate, reducing agility.
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Propeller RotationPropellers are designed to spin in a specific direction: either clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW). The only exception is 3D props, which can spin in both directions but are used in niche applications.
In a quadcopter, two motors spin CW and the other two spin CCW, so its crucial to match the propellers to the motors based on their intended direction of rotation.
Fun Fact: Why Two CW and Two CCW?
You might wonder why FPV drones use a mix of clockwise and counter-clockwise propellers.
Two propellers generate CW torque, while the other two generate CCW torque, effectively canceling out the rotational forces. Without this counteraction, the drone would spin uncontrollably in the opposite direction of the motorsmuch like a helicopter with a damaged tail rotor (a scenario youve likely seen in movies).
Additionally, this opposing torque can be used to create rotational movement for the quadcopter (aka yaw movement).
To determine the direction a propeller should spin, look at its leading edge (the side that cuts into the air) and trailing edge. The propellers shape and curvature indicate the intended direction of rotation. Some propellers are also labeled with CW or CCW near the hub for easy identification.
If you mount a propeller in the wrong direction, it will push air in the opposite way, causing the drone to flip over or fail to take off.
FPV drone propellers are typically sold in packs of four: two CW and two CCW.
Types of Propeller MountingTypical FPV drone motors use one of the three common mounting methods: Prop Nuts, T-Mount, and Press Fit. Each type has its advantages and is suited for specific drone sizes and applications. Make sure you understand which setup your motors use before picking up propellers to avoid incompatibility.
Prop nuts are the most common mounting method for 5 FPV drones and larger rigs. The propeller is placed onto a motor shaft with an M5 thread and secured with a self-locking nylon nut.
In T-Mount setups, the propeller is secured to the motor bell using two small M2 screws. The motor shaft, typically 1mm or 1.5mm in diameter, helps center the prop. The lightweight design is ideal for smaller, less powerful drones. It offers a secure fit without requiring large threaded shafts or nuts. This mounting is popular in small 2 to 4 FPV drones.
In press-fit mounting, the propeller is pushed onto the motor shaft using friction to hold it in place. Motor shafts are typically 1mm or 1.5mm in diameter. No screws or nuts are needed, reducing weight and makes changing propeller simple. However, propellers may fly off if the motors spin too fast, or in collisions. This is popular in toothpicks (ultralight) drones and tiny whoops.
Material
FPV propellers are typically made from durable plastic, specifically polycarbonate. This material is lightweight, flexible, and resilient, allowing propellers to bend or warp in crashes without breaking easily. Its an ideal choice for the demands of FPV drones.
There are also propellers made from carbon fiber or wood, which offer increased stiffness and precision. However, these are generally used in planes or larger multirotors that arent intended to crash, as they are more expensive and prone to damage.
Stick with plastic propstheyre affordable, easy to replace, and well-suited for most flying styles.
How to Install Propellers?Heres a step-by-step guide to properly installing propellers on your FPV drone:
By default, Betaflight expects the motors to spin in specific directions, as shown in the diagram below (you can also find this diagram in the Motors tab in Betaflight Configurator).
Pro Tip: To make it easier to remember, all front props spin toward the FPV camera, while rear props spin toward the back of the drone.
Make sure the glossy/text side faces up when installing the propellers. If the props are mounted upside down, the drones performance will be severely reducedor it might flip over when you try to take off.
Ensure CW propellers are mounted on CW motors, and CCW props are mounted on CCW motors. Incorrect installation can cause the drone to flip over when taking off.
Attach the props securely using the provided screws, lock nuts, or other fasteners. Loose props can fly off mid-flight, leading to a crash.
Spin each propeller by hand to confirm it is installed in the correct orientation. When spinning, each prop should push air downward.
Understanding Props In and Props OutFPV drones can be configured in two ways: props in or props out, depending on the direction the propellers spin. The default configuration in Betaflight is props in, and if you reverse the directions of all 4 propellers, its props out.
This configuration affects airflow and how debris is thrown away from the drone. You can learn more about the benefits and trade-offs of each configuration in my detailed guide: https://oscarliang.com/reversed-motor-prop-rotation-quadcopter/
Pusher Configuration
The pusher configuration is common in Cinewhoops, where the motors are mounted upside down, and the propellers push air upward instead of pulling it down.
This configuration does not affect how props are mounted. You still follow the same rules for matching CW and CCW props with the correct motors based on their rotation direction.
How to Choose Propellers
Here is a table that shows which size propeller to use with different motors and voltages..
FPV drone sizes are typically categorized by the maximum propeller size that can be used in that frame. The most popular FPV drone size is probably 5-inch due to its versatility, as it can be used for racing, freestyle, cinematic and long range. It can comfortably carry a full-size GoPro camera, thus its often used for capturing cinematic shots as well. The 7-inch builds are more suited for long-range flights because it can carry a much larger battery and the larger 7 propellers are often more efficient that smaller 5. I wont go into too much detail here, you can learn about all the different drone sizes in this post.
ThrustThrust is measured in grams. For your drone to hover, the propeller needs to produce at least 1 gram of thrust for every gram that your drone weighs. To perform stunts, or even just to take off or fly forward, your drone needs more than 1 gram of thrust per gram of weight.
Propellers produce more thrust when they spin faster and less when they spin slower. The speed of the drone also affects the amount of thrust produced. Some props perform well when the drone is stationary, but not so well during a cruise, while others perform well at high speeds but poorly when hovering. You want a prop that balances these factors and can create a good amount of thrust at different speeds.
To find the best prop for your drone, look up motor thrust tests to see what prop size work best with your motor. Keep in mind that props perform wildly differently when strapped to a thrust stand in a static setting compared to when theyre actually flying through moving air. Props can produce 20-30% less thrust in the air than on the ground.
To accurately assess prop performance, it needs to be tested at the speed your drone normally flies at. However, few people have access to wind tunnels for this type of testing. So, take performance tests with a grain of salt as they may not be an accurate representation of real-world use.
SmoothnessIn the hobby, people often use the term smoothness to describe the quality of a motor or propeller. Its not something that can be measured quantitatively, but more of a feeling that pilots have. In my experience, lower pitch props tend to be smoother because the motor can change RPM more easily and quickly. This allows the drone to respond faster to correct errors and reduces something called prop wash.
SpeedA propeller that creates lots of thrust with high pitch doesnt necessarily make a drone faster than a lower pitch propeller that generates less thrust. As the propellers speed increases (which is measured in rotation per minute RPM), so does the drag, requiring more torque from the motor to turn.
The theoretical maximum speed of an aircraft can be calculated using the equation:
Max Speed (in inch per second) = Max RPM * Propeller's Pitch / 60
In real life, factors such as air resistance, head wind, and angle of attack etc can all affect a drones speed.
Thrust affects acceleration and angle of attack, while RPM affects top speed. To achieve the best speed for your FPV drone, you need a balance between thrust and RPM.
Are Larger Props Better?1. Responsiveness: A larger prop means a higher moment of inertia, leading to reduced responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable when using motors that typically drive 5-inch props like the size. On these motors, a 7-inch or even 6-inch prop will be less agile in responding to quick, sharp control inputs compared to a 5-inch prop. You will need a bigger motors to compensate but it will add weights and requires more powerful battery and electronics.
2. Thrust and Efficiency: Larger props generate more thrust, making them more efficient they can carry more weight, even with the same motor. The increased efficiency means you get more thrust for the same power or the same thrust at a lower power requirement.
3. Vibration: As you increase prop size, expect more vibration. This is amplified by larger, less stiff frames.
4. Top Speed and Prop Wash Handling: Larger props tend to have a lower top speed but better prop wash handling. However, they are often more efficient, capable of maintaining higher speeds over longer periods.
Angle of AttackThe angle of attack refers to the angle at which air meets the propeller blades during flight, and this can significantly influence the efficiency of your propellers based on your drones attitude and speed.
When a drone is hovering, the airflow is primarily vertical, and the propeller blades rely on their pitch to generate thrust. A lower pitch propeller is generally more efficient in this scenario, as it moves air smoothly without requiring high torque. For example, if the pitch is too high (e.g., close to 90 degrees), the propeller ends up slapping the air rather than efficiently displacing it, resulting in wasted energy and reduced thrust.
As the drone tilts forward to fly, the angle of attack changes, and air begins entering the propeller blades at an angle rather than directly from below. At this point, Higher pitch propellers become more effective because they are better suited to displacing air in forward motion. They generate more thrust with each rotation, making them ideal for drones that maintain high cruising speeds or need quick acceleration. If your goal is to cover long distance instead of long flight time, trying some higher pitch props might be a good idea.
Its just a generalization, its absolutely necessary to experiment with different props to find the optimal setup for your specific drone setup and flight style.
Weather and TemperatureCold weather poses significant challenges for drones. As explained in our guide How to fly FPV in the winter, not only does it negatively impact battery performance, but it can also affect propellers. Depending on their material, propellers may stiffen and become brittle in cold temperatures, increasing the likelihood of breaking upon collision.
Impact of AltitudeAltitude can drastically affect air density and, consequently, the performance of your FPV drone. In areas of lower air density, such as high altitudes, youll experience less thrust from the same motor RPM. This results in the drone feeling more sluggish and less powerful, similar to the effect of using lower-pitch propellers. Therefore, when flying at high altitudes, its advisable to use higher-pitch propellers to compensate for the reduced air density.
Impact on TuningChanging propellers can have an effect on your drones PID and filter tuning. Props of different design, size, pitch or blade count will have effect on RPM, throttle/thrust linearity, vibration etc.
Say if you are just swapping out the HQ 5×4.3×3 with some Gemfan Hurricane , itd probably still be flyable, but if you are a perfectionist you probably want to tune your quad for a specific type of props.
The difference is even more pronounced when you use props of completely different size or blade count. For instance, 2-blade propellers tend to have a stronger 2nd harmonics in motor noise band, while for 3-blade the 3rd harmonics is usually stronger than the 2nd.
Noise Considerations
The noise and sound profile of propellers is an often-overlooked aspect when selecting props for your FPV drone, but it can significantly impact your flying experienceespecially in urban areas or indoor.
Factors That Affect Propeller Noise:
Propellers are one of the easiest and cheapest components to experiment with on an FPV drone. By understanding the basics of size, pitch, blade count, and material, you can choose the right props to match your flying style and drone setup. Dont be afraid to try different combinations and see what works best for you.
Happy flying!
Additionally, the post discusses how long drone propellers last and provides helpful tips on extending their lifespan. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, this post offers valuable information to help you get the most out of your drone.
This blog post covers topics such as how drone propellers work, which way they spin, how to choose the right propeller size, and what the numbers on drone propellers mean.
Drones have become increasingly popular, and with that comes a need to understand how they work, including their propellers. Drone propellers are an essential component that determines a drone's speed, stability, and maneuverability.
Drones are becoming increasingly popular for both personal and professional use, and a key component of these flying machines is the propeller. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at drone propellers and how they work
Drone propellers are rotating blades that provide lift and propulsion for drones. They are typically made of plastic or carbon fiber and are attached to motors on the drone.
Propellers work by spinning at high speeds to create thrust, which generates lift and propels the drone forward.
The spinning blades of the propellers create a difference in air pressure, with the air pressure being lower on the front of the blade than on the back. This difference in air pressure generates thrust, which propels the drone forward.
read more : Drone Motor Where to Begin?
The direction in which a drone propeller spins is determined by the direction of rotation of the motor that powers it.
In most cases, drone propellers spin clockwise when viewed from the front of the drone. This is known as a "normal" rotation. Some drones use a "reverse" rotation, where the propellers spin counterclockwise.
The direction of rotation is usually determined by the design of the drone and the specific requirements of the application. It is important to note that for multirotor drones, all the propellers must spin in the same direction for the drone to function properly.
Choosing the right drone propeller is important for ensuring the best performance and safety of your drone . Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a propeller:
read more : Drone Transmitter and Receiver Guide
When choosing the right drone propeller, it's important to consider all of these factors and choose a propeller that is best suited for your specific drone and application.
It's also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for propeller size and type to regularly inspect and maintain your propellers to ensure they are in good working condition.
The size of the propeller you need for your drone will depend on the size and weight of your drone, as well as the specific requirements of your application.
Generally, larger drones will require larger propellers that can supply thrust to move the drone upwards with sufficient power, whereas the smaller drones might require smaller propellers which has a lower power that could serve the purpose.
read more : Best Flight Controller for Drone
A string of digits called a drone propeller number is used to identify the propeller. The majority, if not all, of the propeller's parameters, such as its length, pitch, rotation, and blade design, are identified by these numerals. But this figure is frequently presented in many ways.
If you don't know what the requirements indicate, a propeller number is useless. In fact, many pilots form false beliefs at the outset of their flight and stick with them.
This is why it is good to go through the specifications, primarily the length and pitch, before we learn about the formats of propeller numbers.
read more : All About Lithium Polymer Batteries (LiPo)
The lifespan of a drone propeller can vary depending on the type of propeller, the environment in which it is used, and the level of use and maintenance. On average, most drone propellers have a lifespan of 500 flight hours or several months to a year based on the usage.However, the lifespan of a propeller can be affected by several factors:
It is important to regularly check the condition of the propellers and replace them when they show signs of wear and tear. Damaged or worn propellers can affect the performance and safety of your drone, so it is important to replace them as soon as possible.
read more : Drone Motor Maintenance: Tips to Keep Your Motors Running
Drone propellers are a crucial component of any flying machine, and understanding the different types, how they work, and how to choose the right one is important for ensuring the best performance and safety of your drone.
Propellers come in different shapes, sizes, and numbers of blades, each with its advantages and disadvantages. It's important to consider the size and weight of your drone, the type of application you will be using it for, and the specific requirements of your application when choosing a propeller.
Additionally, proper maintenance and regular inspection can help prolong the life of your propellers and keep your drone flying safely.
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