The Ultimate AeroScout Propeller Test! Which Is The Best? - Part 2

We Test 8 different Master Airscrew and other RC propellers on the Hobbyzone AeroScout S2 1.1m and compare results! We got some winners and some losers! The winning prop produced 43% more thrust than the stock prop at only 1 amp more current draw! On the lookout for more prospective props, can anything beat our winner here?
If you've found these videos helpful please consider donating to the channel to help us keep creating great content like this! Thank you!
paypal.me/shanesdiy
I've created a working spreadsheet that I will update as I collect more data on the current and new props tested. Here's the link!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Affiliate Links
Master Airscrew Main Web Site Affiliate Link
bit.ly/3x1E7tj
Master Airscrew 6x3.2 3-Blade
bit.ly/495r736
Master Airscrew 5.5x4.5
bit.ly/3Vs5lUb
Master Airscrew 6x3
bit.ly/4akPevY
Master Airscrew 6x4 3-Blade
bit.ly/43t6GfB
Master Airscrew 6.5x3.5 Scimitar
bit.ly/3Tl0qBM
Master Airscrew 6.5x4
bit.ly/3TpPiDM
RadioMaster TX16S transmitter
amzn.to/3UD9hgF
Hobbyzone AeroScout S2 1.1m BNF
amzn.to/43uPDrR
200A Power Analyzer
amzn.to/49j2UYg
Thrust Scale
amzn.to/3OTCyDR
5mm Propeller Shaft Nut Set
amzn.to/48hyPH6
0:00 Prop List
3:38 Prop Weights
4:54 Tools & Equipment
6:38 Prop 1
7:00 Prop Balancing
10:06 Prop 2
11:34 Prop 3 "Scimitar"
13:25 Prop 4
14:40 Prop 5
16:27 Prop 5
17:35 Analysis/Wrap up
21:22 Top 2 Sound

[@shanesdiy]

Hey! I just found out from one of my awesome viewers that the spacer bushing on the stock motor pops off so you can get these aftermarket props on further allowing the locking nut to get all the way on for a more secure installation! Thanks Guy Fuller!

[@DanielMowry-z7l]

Great Test. Ordered 6X3.2 from Master Screw 06/25/2024. Can't wait to try it ! ....Thanks

[@kennethh2430]

I just picked up one of these planes yesterday after doing a bit of research. There is a bushing you can pull off by hand after you remove the OEM prop :D This will give you tons of thread for replacement non-OEM props. Great vid.

[@shanesdiy]

Found that after this video and discuss it in later videos. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-tj6uc1ye8h]

Thank you 5:58 for this video sir. Just got the 6x3.2 tri blades the other day. Tried them on my aeroscout this morning awesome performance. Motor and battery only slightly warm 10 min flight read 3.80 per cell❤❤❤

[@shanesdiy]

I didn't mention it in that video because I later found out but the stock prop has a spacer bushing that can come off to let the aftermarket props go on much further. You can actually use the stock nut with aftermarket props after you remove the spacer. Looks a little odd but it works in a pinch. Look for a later short video on changing aeroscout props if you want to see the details. I briefly mention it in a couple other later videos too. Happy you like the prop! I sure do. I'm not about top speed, I like the improved STOL performance.

[@BansheeFifteen]

Tremendous work Shane. Thank You for sharing.

[@1964markw10]

Thank You for another informative video, ordered a couple props.

[@foxprogt]

Thanks for the video. You just got some MA props sold.

[@trentsteel4358]

Just to share my experience on this much anticipated "easy" upgrade to my Aeroscout performance - Here in NZ (and possibly also AU), trying to track down the 6x 3.2 MAS prop has proved to be impossible - and at a cost of about NZD $15 for the 6x4 MAS prop even that seemed like a poor choice given the same props retail for $3 in the US. Based mainly on costs and access to parts, I opted for a full motor upgrade as I realised the Aeroscout stock 2306 motor with standard 16mm bolt pattern is VERY common in the drone world. Combined with a set of Azure 3 blade propellers (6145) for $3!, and a Tri-motor pacer V2 2306 / 2550kv (total cost NZD $34 shipped from an NZ drone shop) it seemed sensible to spend the extra $18 and do a full upgrade. Downsides of this turbo charge to the stock Aeroscout - I had to learn how to solder new 3mm bullet connectors, and the motor mount itself is a bit tricky to access (use a long hex driver), but I can now say I've got an HUGE jump in thrust performance AND top speed, for just a few $ more. Admittedly I also ended up taking the advice of upgrading the ESC - well worth it to avoid that slow acceleration. You don't realize the stock ESC is holding back the Aeroscout take off / slow flight control performance until you get rid of it!

[@shanesdiy]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have done some testing with that 6145 prop and it is definitely high on the list, very near the thrust of the 6x3.2 and just a few more amps. Great choice and glad you had that one available. Which ESC did you go with? I upgraded one of my AeroScout's to the Avian Lite 30A ESC and love it. Love the instant acceleration and added reverse thrust. That old Hobbyzone ESC was terrible. Might have been ok but they locked it down and don't make instructions available. Thanks for your comment and happy flying!

[@trentsteel4358]

@@shanesdiy I used a ZTW Beatles G2 30amp ESC I had lying around, that ESC upgrade alone was a major improvement. With the Tri-Motor Pacer (2306 - 2550kv) and the 6145 Azure prop it was pulling about 32-33A at full throttle - a bit higher than I was expecting! Thanks for all your clips and analysis! Certainly glad I stumbled across your videos and now how a much more 'fun' Aeroscout to fly.

[@BansheeFifteen]

Thanks!

[@shanesdiy]

Wow, thank you so much! Certainly helps keep the channel going and making more videos like this!

[@sagacyberdemon]

Oh MAN!!!..... This Test was Awesome!!!... as always, Excellent! for sure getting the 6.5 X 3.5 & 5.5 X 4.5.

[@shanesdiy]

Had a prop recommended after this test that should be arriving today! The 6x3.2 in overall thrust or the 6.5x3.5 in efficiency are going to be hard to beat! Watch for the next thrust test episode. Working on a cool flight performance test too using speed, amps, RPM, and altitude telemetry! I'm having fun with this stuff!

[@BaldwinLopezREALTOR]

Great video! Did you have to change the motor rotation on any of these props?

[@shanesdiy]

No, all of them match the stock rotation.

[@RcBuddy]

Nice, I would take the second from te top, if I had an Aeroscout ;o) Thanks for the review. Cheers an fly safe.

[@sagacyberdemon]

You should get one, awesome Rc plane.

[@BlazingFPV]

Question…how do you pop off the spacer so I can put on the aftermarket prop and secure it properly? I tried with my hand with no luck. Do you have to pry a bit? Don’t want to break the motor off the foam mounting area.

[@shanesdiy]

I was a little timid at first too but it will come off. It is plastic and just needs a little "convincing". I did it with my fingernail but a small flat head screwdriver should pop it off. Best if you can pull on both sides at the same time.

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

Also when you start flying the amps will go down so that first 3 blade will be great for it

[@shanesdiy]

Yes, it will be interesting to see the difference between static amperage vs amperage at speed. What I'm thinking is once I have narrowed down my top 1-2 props I will do some additional tests compared to the stock prop using my radio telemetry for flight testing. Should be able to watch top speed, motor RPM, voltage, amperage, etc. and log it with my TX16S. I need to get my telemetry dialed in and setup a "performance screen" or two showing the pertinent values and setup a screenshot button and data logging. Should make for some interesting data collection on top of this.

[@aidenlangton2836]

What’s the size of the left locking nut?

[@shanesdiy]

M5

[@BlazingFPV]

Hi Shane, can you confirm that the correct 6x3.2 3 Blade prop is linked? I noticed that there are 2 different ones of the same dimensions. One is a pusher prop and the other is not. I don’t believe that the pusher prop is linked. I’d like to purchase using your link but want to make sure I’m purchasing the correct one for the Aeroscout. Thanks for testing these props out! 😊

[@shanesdiy]

I just double checked, the link is correct. You want the one labeled "3MR Series - 3-Blade 6x3.2 Propeller (CCW) Black". A CCW tractor prop has the same pitch direction as a CW pusher prop.

[@txkflier]

1. How does thrust affect the level flight speed of a plane? There is no speed or time component in grams of force. 2. Why didn't you measure the rpm and calculate the pitch speed of each prop? This would tell you about how fast the prop is moving the air through it and give you an idea of how fast the plane will fly in level flight. 3. How accurate is an ammeter at 15% of range (30/200*100=15%) and a scale at 2% of range (800/40000*100=2%)? I'm assuming the scale only has one range. Surely, it only has one sensor.

[@Mr89Falcon]

He makes it pretty clear that it’s a static thrust test, and just using basic instrumentation. Why is it necessary to know RPM’s? Perhaps YOU can invest in the proper instrumentation and run some tests yourself.

[@txkflier]

@@Mr89Falcon Thrust only gives you an idea of how well it’ll climb. It doesn’t give you any clue of how fast it’ll go. I use watts/lb and pitch speed to determine the level flight speed, and it needs to be 2 to 3 times the stall speed or it won’t be much fun to fly.

[@shanesdiy]

Planning a flight test to get some flight data for speed, amps, etc. while in flight. Telemetry should also give me RPM. Not going to go to those lengths for every prop, just the top performer(s) vs the stock prop. Search for "thrust of an F16"(insert name about any plane) and you'll see a pounds of thrust measurement. It is a very common general measurement in aviation that most people can comprehend. Certainly dynamics will change in flight at various speeds, air temperatures, humidity, etc. but this basic static test is a very valid for what we need to know. Amp draw will allow estimates of battery life and efficiency as well as ensure we are not overloading the ESC or motor. The grams of thrust will absolutely effect how quickly you'll get airborne, rate of climb, and top speed.

[@txkflier]

@@shanesdiyMore thrust will help the plane accelerate initially, but more thrust doesn't guarantee a higher top speed. There's thrust and there's velocity. A larger diameter, lower pitch prop will make more thrust, but it won't push the air as fast. Jets are measured in units of thrust, but propeller aircraft are rated in power loading (lbs/hp) and power-to-weight ratio (watts/lb). Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors will turn a certain number of rpm per volt (KV). This is due to “Back-EMF”. So, we can calculate the rpm with no load and we also know that electric motors will get too hot if we load them down to less than about 80% of their no-load rpm. This gives us the ability to calculate the pitch speed which will give us a pretty good idea of how fast the plane will fly in level flight. There will be some slippage, but the motor will gain some rpm as the plane accelerates, so the numbers won’t be too far off. The prop needs to push the air that goes through it at least twice as fast as the plane’s stall speed. Otherwise, the plane will stagger through the air and won’t be much fun to fly. Once I know the pitch I need, I pick a diameter that will load the motor to 80% of its no-load rpm. I use watts/lb to determine how well the plane will perform.

[@Mr89Falcon]

@@txkflier Do you seriously think that these propellers will DECREASE level flight performance? An increase in thrust at these low Reynold's numbers will absolutely translate to better climb as well as better level flight speed. Besides, no one flies these airplanes for speed. If one wanted more speed, they can just use a 4s vs 3s battery. Your logic frankly mystifies me.