I'm at the park now getting as many flights as I can here in Northeast Ohio. How many others like myself feel good about your progress over the summer! 😊 I stuck to acro all summer and finally feel great. Flips, Rolls, and power loops. Awesome feeling. Don't get much time to hit the park. Mostly front yard Los flying. Mr. Steel and others have inspired me to get good before winter. Damn it feels good. 6s chameleon with tons of kiss power. These esc are by far the most durable and best feeling. Learned a ton from you guys. Thanks so much
I read the headline and said to myself, the best prop is the one that suits the job. Then that's first thing you say in the description lol. I use HQ props, so good I don't even bother to balance them. I have 500 size quad so not a racer obviously. Great channel and your flying skills are amazing! Thanks
That view of things also translates to other stuff. I'm a computer scientist (and hobby electro engineer) and if people ask me what computer(parts) they should buy, I always say the same: Buy and use that what suits your needs. Not that what others want or say it's cool, not that what the ads say. Use that what you need!
Dear Steele, Please stop telling the community to throw their props in the recycling bin. I am a professional in the recycling industry and the company I work for designs and builds sorting equipment for large recyclers such as Waste Management, Republic Services or Recommunity. Any prop for mini-quads that is currently being made will, when thrown in the recycling bin, contaminate another product and ultimately end up in the trash. I can explain this to you in more detail if you are interested, but not in a YT comment section. If you want to truly recycle your props, you have to bypass the recycling bin, collect a lot of them (by polymer grade) and then find a processor who actually grinds and extrudes recycled plastic. With all my industry knowledge I would actually have a hard time finding a place like that since the polymers used for props are very specific. Sorry for the reality check, but I am not going to stop protesting - it is in the interest of my customers. Thank you for understanding in advance.
I’ve been surprised by the number of things I’ve heard shouldn’t be recycled. Like mixed paper + bubble wrap padded envelopes, pizza boxes (grease, apparently?), and apparently plastic grocery bags require special handling as well. It’s hard to know what’s legit or not, so I appreciate this info.
English isn't everyones native language sometimes reading can help clarify things. Not everyone can hear either, watching miniquad clips doesn't require it but sometimes videos like these would be appreciated by even hearing impaired individuals
2 things. First, I feel like I just tried to get a drink of water from a fire hose! :-) Seriously though, this is super helpful but man, I'm going to save & rewatch a few times to get it all as I'm rather new to this. Thank you! Secondly, thanks so much for your stance on sustainability at the end. You get to test a bunch of stuff... so not "hawking" junk on your channel but only recommending what works over the long haul... is greatly GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!
Mr Steele totally agree with you. Some people just need to have fun with this and not worry about winning, that is what Banni and johnny is for! But for my set up I love the HQ 5040x3 gn with the 2205 2300kv, its just so locked in feeling but is still very responsive. But for me it feels like everyone is saying the best quad is the one with the most power but its really what YOU can do with what power you have.
Steele, dude you hopped on frame and I almost said aloud, "Yo he looks so cool like that he died his hair silver! That's really cool looking." A million thumbs up on the new look Steele!!!
I feel you in staying in the air. I don't get much time to fly anyways so when something breaks or just quits it's a real bummer. I enjoy building a quad but I can't stand having to take it back apart.
A_NU_ I have a new name! Woo! Thanks for the shoutout man :) I agree with a lot of what you are getting on about, it's a basic physics equation, the tricky part is the number of variable involved. I am still only seeing 80-90A in punchouts with the 5051 propeller. This is due to a few things, the F60-2450kv is still only running N45 magnets, which while less powerful also limit the amount of amps you can pull through the copper winding. The key aspect I enjoy with the 5051 (other than me and my cousin designing them, for racing, not for freestyle, we have some more designs in the works for that) is they are designed to work well with airflows. They are designed using custom algorithms that employ 3D flow studies and models, developed with a target for max efficiency in ENERGY TRANSFER, meaning more energy in more thrust out. Also due to the design they disturb the surrounding air a bit less, which helps with prop wash and high speed control. They are definitely a heavy prop, and I wish they were lighter myself, so we are moving into new design iterations with a focus on Freestyle rather than racing. Our end goal is to always engineer something for a specific goal, not for a generalist, we designs these props for a target speed of 60mph at 16krpm with a 45deg angle of attack. Anywho, let me know if you ever want to talk/hang/chill/design some new stuff, it's what me and my cousin love to do, that an fly all the time! Being in the air is #1!! Cheers Man!
Like the new haircut. You are sporting the silver well. Thanks for the prop theory. I was asking about this today at my local hobby shop, this made it so much better. So... more theory please, they are not wasted videos! Cheers.
Great video. I'll admit I was one of those you mentioned at the end trying to go big or go home......and go home to rebuild it or fix crap. Since then I have dialed it back a bit, increased the durability and reliance of things and its awfully nice coming home on the same props you left with.
Really god episode Steele. I've been flying nothing but HQ 5040x3 and 4x4x3 for the last year and a half as well. I see no reason to change. That said, I saw some crazy deals on the 4 bladed HQs for Black Friday so I picked a bunch up (also some 4 inch) to try them out. If I don't like them they will at least look great for photography (I shoot all my quads when I initially build them).
I just got those yellow HQ 5x4x3 props the other day and I love them. I feel I can control my quad more. Really helps since I'm still learning acro. No crashes yet with these props! Proud of my self. Lol.
Niice haircut. Thanks for talking through props and your reasoning for this and that. Should do more videos like this; talk more about what and why and compare/contrast. I like it. Thanks!
Great info! like the ending keeping it real, been vloggin and never realized the amount of tries it takes to get it right! the tree said, "GET OFF ME" EPIC!
about time someone said all this stuff. next up is telling people that C ratings are bull crap on most lipos. uk company is trying to sell a lipo at something like 90 to 180 C. no way! keep them coming dude. super informative.
I dig that alot Steele. Consistency is important. I did all that keeping up with the Jones's and following the new hype this week shit. Spent alot of money and hours rebuilding quads because I thought this product was this and that product was that. Now I do what works for me. Sure I still try new products. I just dont go out and buy them for every setup and rebuild the whole fleet with the newest and hotest this week. LOL.. Thanks again man.
great video man. very good wisdom for newer people getting into the hobby. so many people screw up and end up constantly working on their quads and want these ridiculous prop / motor combos that just don't work well.
Nice haircut :) I personally like king kong 5*4*3 purple props, they are so hard to break and they are cheap. I break hq props like I break girls' hearts :p And I love when you don't miss the details like being translucent and transparent. Thanks for all your videos.
Thanks for the opinions/facts/insights. I'd love to try all those props/batteries/etc. but I don't have the time or the money do to it (like you said, I want to fly... ) so I appreciate what you have to say about it. When I can't fly due to weather, the need to build something new/hot/hype is strong, but it's nice to have a voice of reason too. You are that voice Mr S.
Love these videos.. Please keep doing them. I just recently bought a Kingkong 210gt and I'm still trying to find the right prop for me.. Thanks for all the Knowledge
So not gonna lie you Mr. Steele have inspired me to build my first "freestyle" quad and I know she will be heavy (Robocat 270) but its going to be learning deal from my phantom 3. But on a side note I did get 2 blade bull nose 5045 as a first prop (just for the added lift), guess I was not thinking about the weight! Thanks for the insight on you're prop selection!
Thanks mr. Steele the video is so good I have to watch it twice to catch everything that you're saying. There's a lot of good knowledge here about drones and weight and dependability. So thank you very much
totally agree with you, in the air = GOOD! i also down pitched to 5x4x3 and what a difference, batteries are cooler same locked in feeling, as responsive, increased flight time. yet to put some 4 blades through some abuse as im loving the triblades, maybe next year :) Big ups Mr Steele!
Ha ha ha i freaking love u Steele! Funny stuff and good information in one video, love watching your flying and i try to learn stuff of it, but videos like this really helps me understand stuff a little better in theory so thank u! :)
I absolutely agree with you. The quest for more kv and spinning giant airfoils and massive pitch with heavy props is pissing off batteries, and heating up ESC's and motors all for the sake of what, 60 seconds of fast forward flight? :-) For the freestyle pilots, the HQ 5x4x3 can't be beat. I, like you, use them on my freestyle setups. I sometimes will run a DAL 5x4x3, but they are thin and flexible, and you don't always get that locked in "snap" corner feeling. I have tested the new DJI snail propulsion system though with the 5048S Quick release props, and, just like you said, they utilize a bigger stator and lower kv to swing that prop efficiently. it's a 2305 @2400kv, and it's not a battery killer like I thought it would be. Great video as always man, and I think it helps get the info out there that basically a prop should fit your style and what you do, there isn't a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach to prop choice. One last side note, the bendable props, like the DAL and the PC, the "hit, bend and land" has caused me some grief in the past, nothing like bending a prop and having it bend downward only to wreck an ESC... oh what fun that is! Keep up the good work man, I talked to Chad, and the next time you are all in Ohio, I will be flying with you! (hopefully)
A fine mantra, "If you're not up in the air you're not learning... or having fun." Rightious! Keep up the fine work my friend. oh! and Sub'd!!! Gotta look up races and meets here in Germany. This shit rules!!
Good video. Keep these types of vids coming! A lot can be learned from hearing different people's rationale as to how and why they chose a particular set up.
I definitely went from the 5x4.5x3 bullnose to the normal 5x4x3 which was an eye opener. The bullnose pulled way to much amps on 2600kv motors and I can see the performance difference .
Hey, you consider the mass to quantify the ease to spin up and down, but in fact you should consider also the distribution of it which will actually make the moment of inertia. For spinning up, the shape of the prop will also matter as a strong angle and surface close to the center will be easier to manage than if it's far. I have no clue of how the racekraft fly, but their design is interesting and implies things going beyond the simple mass of the prop.
Lots of discussion about mass and only one comment about inertia. The moment of inertia is a more critical metric than simple mass. I blame public schools. Thanks Manuel!
Great video as usual! You sound just like me harping about these same things, lol. Now I know you're sponsored by HQ, but I really wish you'd tried/talked about the DAL Cyclone. Many racers and freestyle pilots have now switched to this prop as their favourite. And I 100% agree with everything you said, including the RK 5051 lol.
Awesome videos man cant wait to get flying never actually had a quad copter that was decent but im inspired by all your videos man Ive seen the very first one all the way to this videos and I watched your style get smoother and sicker every video, I hope one day I can fly a pack with you see you around man.
Nice prop reasoning Steele... HQs will be my prop, until I grasp enough to have the feel tune some of U guys achieve! ... And I have a big BAG of 5x4x3 HQs to destroy first... One thing I take from your knowledge that resonated like a bright bulb was CONSISTENCY and that lead me to a diff mind set on quads and other things. Learning is a never ending game!...
Good info Steele... I too still fly HQ 5x4x3, even after trying several other 2-blade and 3-blade props from all kinds of manufacturers. For me they feel the snappiest and smoothest of the bunch. RaceKraft 5x4x3's are close, though not always as butter smooth -- presumably not as well balanced. I have not yet tried the new HQs you showed @4:28, it was great to see your opinion on it first; thanks!
lol at the finish. rippin' bobs Totally understandable that you have what suits you . It would be interesting to see how other motors with props work too. Some of the new motors are over 1hp now, so they may get the efficiency and power combination. Others should perhaps put their views out on the same stuff. cheers and thanks for posting.
Nice explanation Steele! 100% agree with your philosophy & approach to looking at the end-to-end harmony of what works + is sustainable. I'm hoping things might evolve when we get new "magic" batteries that can consistently handle more amps & weigh 50% less ... but for now its about finding that sweet spot & the best compromise given current constraints. Hope Shaina likes your new haircut & doesn't mind the new scratchy beard too?
At around 7:13 you mentoined the resonant frequency of polycarbonate props. I found this true with other PC as well , e.g.; DAL V2, Racekraft tri and Kingkong. For me, at just below hover it resonates like crazy (kissed 5" alien). Though others do not seem to have these issues running these props (based on youtube video's). What is the key to eliminating(or improving) this resonance? PIDS?
Steele I've been watching your videos for about 8 months, and I wanted to note that this type of video is what made me appreciate your content. Of course your flying is amazing, but it's also good to see your human side as well. Keep up the good work, and don't forget to wax your stache.
Good vid Steel, like all of them. I want to add note on motor KV and copper fill vs power in regards to one of your comment of higher KV having less copper. Big picture: Changing the KV of a motor does not usually take away copper (unless you lower copper fill in the stator slots), nor does it alter it's torque output capability. Details: Changing KV means altering the dimensions of the motor or the number of turns per tooth. A 1000KV motor and a 2000KV motor are both capable of the same torque output and RPM, but the way you get there is a bit different. Assuming copper fill of each slot is the same but the turn count is different, i.e. say a 1000KV = 10 turns and 2000KV = 5 turns. The 2000KV motor will take 2x the current of the 1000KV motor to reach the same torque output and the 1000KV motor will need 2x the voltage to reach the same RPM as the 2000KV motor (but half the amps), so at some point it will make more sense from a controller standpoint to up drive voltage vs upping current. Ultimately total power (watts = voltage x current) output comes down the copper fill. Part of reason you can often get more power (watts) from the same prop running a higher KV motor of the same size is efficiency will drop. An electric motor makes it's peak power at 50% of motor stall torque, which is roughly 50% of the unloaded KV. Torque is proportional to input current (at least until you start reaching core saturation or have high eddy current losses which increase with RPM) I should probably make a vid on motor physics in layman's terms since this is a complex topic and I often see bad info. Nerd mode disengaged...crap, it won't disengage!
Yup, lots of bad info mainly due to poor anecdotes, but it is a complex subject. I design high current 3 phase motor drives/inverters and code FOC motor control for fun (and hopefully profit). Helps to know the physics + math. Too bad learning the sticks isn't as easy as learning theory :(
+ZombieSS77 thanks for the info. I understand there are not black and white figures when it comes to three phase motors however. For this lesson in general what I said is a basic understanding of how these things work. The more winds the lower the KV the less winds the higher. Obviously copper fill/gauge/stator design/and even magnet strength taken part in final KV numbers. But. You think beginners want to have their minds twisted into a pretzel talking about that stuff. I appreciate the info. But I did go to school for this stuff and I choose my battles My audience is not wanting in depth theory. If they wanted that there are other more technical channels out there. I provide basics and real world application not numbers and calculates that don't pertain to the average joe :) Cheers man The audience is the key. You don't tell the world you're burning x amount of C02 emissions a minute you tell them baby seals are dying.
I thinks Steele has good point in the video. Of course it is not the most accurate way of explaining things but it is easy to understand and it fits well to the audience, as Steele already said. The shaft power of a motor is torque times rotational speed, so if you double the KV of the motor and keep the torque constant, the output power also doubles. That's why speed, torque and power are all connected to each other.
The mildly autistic engineer that lives in my head escaped again last night; then he got stoned. I locked him up in his lab again and gave him some calculus equations to solve. I think the dude models himself after James May, but I'm more of a Jeremy "More POWER!" Clarkson fan. Wife and I love the vids, she's learning how to fly a mini quad as well (I'm so lucky).
I'm at the park now getting as many flights as I can here in Northeast Ohio. How many others like myself feel good about your progress over the summer! 😊 I stuck to acro all summer and finally feel great. Flips, Rolls, and power loops. Awesome feeling. Don't get much time to hit the park. Mostly front yard Los flying. Mr. Steel and others have inspired me to get good before winter. Damn it feels good. 6s chameleon with tons of kiss power. These esc are by far the most durable and best feeling. Learned a ton from you guys. Thanks so much
I read the headline and said to myself, the best prop is the one that suits the job. Then that's first thing you say in the description lol. I use HQ props, so good I don't even bother to balance them. I have 500 size quad so not a racer obviously. Great channel and your flying skills are amazing! Thanks
+Pat B hash thanks man Glad to have you as a viewer. It's nice to hear from people with similar prop views
That view of things also translates to other stuff. I'm a computer scientist (and hobby electro engineer) and if people ask me what computer(parts) they should buy, I always say the same: Buy and use that what suits your needs. Not that what others want or say it's cool, not that what the ads say. Use that what you need!
the consistency in his gear is why he is so good
this is exactly what I needed. almost a year old but that UA-cam magic puts it right up there for me. once again thanks dude!
Bro you are the most accurate and acceptable UA-cam I never watch !!! Thank you !!
Dear Steele,
Please stop telling the community to throw their props in the recycling bin. I am a professional in the recycling industry and the company I work for designs and builds sorting equipment for large recyclers such as Waste Management, Republic Services or Recommunity. Any prop for mini-quads that is currently being made will, when thrown in the recycling bin, contaminate another product and ultimately end up in the trash. I can explain this to you in more detail if you are interested, but not in a YT comment section.
If you want to truly recycle your props, you have to bypass the recycling bin, collect a lot of them (by polymer grade) and then find a processor who actually grinds and extrudes recycled plastic. With all my industry knowledge I would actually have a hard time finding a place like that since the polymers used for props are very specific.
Sorry for the reality check, but I am not going to stop protesting - it is in the interest of my customers. Thank you for understanding in advance.
Definitely. That contamination greatly reduces what gets recycled.
Thanks So much
Good info from mr Steele and from you airwolf FPV!
I’ve been surprised by the number of things I’ve heard shouldn’t be recycled. Like mixed paper + bubble wrap padded envelopes, pizza boxes (grease, apparently?), and apparently plastic grocery bags require special handling as well.
It’s hard to know what’s legit or not, so I appreciate this info.
You know what would be useful... some text on screen with the model of prop while you are talking about each prop.
Xaviera Yayaell dammnn. people complain about everythinggggggg..!
English isn't everyones native language sometimes reading can help clarify things. Not everyone can hear either, watching miniquad clips doesn't require it but sometimes videos like these would be appreciated by even hearing impaired individuals
click on the cc icon on the video for subtitles
He would....but he lost the telemetry data
2 things. First, I feel like I just tried to get a drink of water from a fire hose! :-) Seriously though, this is super helpful but man, I'm going to save & rewatch a few times to get it all as I'm rather new to this. Thank you! Secondly, thanks so much for your stance on sustainability at the end. You get to test a bunch of stuff... so not "hawking" junk on your channel but only recommending what works over the long haul... is greatly GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!
Really appreciate you're cognizance of longevity, Steele. Very important factor, from my point of view.
Platinum video, great reminder that motors in all walks of life are designed for the specific load imposed on them.
Mr Steele totally agree with you. Some people just need to have fun with this and not worry about winning, that is what Banni and johnny is for! But for my set up I love the HQ 5040x3 gn with the 2205 2300kv, its just so locked in feeling but is still very responsive. But for me it feels like everyone is saying the best quad is the one with the most power but its really what YOU can do with what power you have.
right with you at the end. its about fly time. building is fun, but flying is more fun. btw, nice hair cut!
Steele, dude you hopped on frame and I almost said aloud, "Yo he looks so cool like that he died his hair silver! That's really cool looking." A million thumbs up on the new look Steele!!!
been loving your FPV drone videos, you're a great talker and i love your attitude
I feel you in staying in the air. I don't get much time to fly anyways so when something breaks or just quits it's a real bummer. I enjoy building a quad but I can't stand having to take it back apart.
A_NU_ I have a new name! Woo! Thanks for the shoutout man :)
I agree with a lot of what you are getting on about, it's a basic physics equation, the tricky part is the number of variable involved. I am still only seeing 80-90A in punchouts with the 5051 propeller. This is due to a few things, the F60-2450kv is still only running N45 magnets, which while less powerful also limit the amount of amps you can pull through the copper winding. The key aspect I enjoy with the 5051 (other than me and my cousin designing them, for racing, not for freestyle, we have some more designs in the works for that) is they are designed to work well with airflows. They are designed using custom algorithms that employ 3D flow studies and models, developed with a target for max efficiency in ENERGY TRANSFER, meaning more energy in more thrust out. Also due to the design they disturb the surrounding air a bit less, which helps with prop wash and high speed control. They are definitely a heavy prop, and I wish they were lighter myself, so we are moving into new design iterations with a focus on Freestyle rather than racing. Our end goal is to always engineer something for a specific goal, not for a generalist, we designs these props for a target speed of 60mph at 16krpm with a 45deg angle of attack.
Anywho, let me know if you ever want to talk/hang/chill/design some new stuff, it's what me and my cousin love to do, that an fly all the time! Being in the air is #1!!
Cheers Man!
A_Nub i
Your a beast brother. A true artist. Appreciate all your work. Thanks
You provide a bank of information that I really appreciate. Hope to watch you fly in person someday. Thanks
Very informative !!! Oh and HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Like the way you explain Mr. Steele. Thanks a million for your time and video!
Wow you really know your stuff, thanks for helping clear stuff up Steele!
Like the new haircut. You are sporting the silver well.
Thanks for the prop theory. I was asking about this today at my local hobby shop, this made it so much better. So... more theory please, they are not wasted videos! Cheers.
You look great with that new style!! Really like it
Great video. I'll admit I was one of those you mentioned at the end trying to go big or go home......and go home to rebuild it or fix crap. Since then I have dialed it back a bit, increased the durability and reliance of things and its awfully nice coming home on the same props you left with.
Thanks for taking the time to do these reviews Steele. Very helpful!
AWSEOME Hair cut dude, good job cutting off the man bun!!! Keep up the good work, you are amazing!!
love the honesty in your videos, keep up the good work
Excellent video with lots of great information! These are the types of videos I love to watch and learn the most from! Thanks for sharing!
Really god episode Steele. I've been flying nothing but HQ 5040x3 and 4x4x3 for the last year and a half as well. I see no reason to change. That said, I saw some crazy deals on the 4 bladed HQs for Black Friday so I picked a bunch up (also some 4 inch) to try them out. If I don't like them they will at least look great for photography (I shoot all my quads when I initially build them).
I just got those yellow HQ 5x4x3 props the other day and I love them. I feel I can control my quad more. Really helps since I'm still learning acro. No crashes yet with these props! Proud of my self. Lol.
I give you mad props bro... ;-)
Y Naut FPV nice
Nice one
brand new look steele.. 2017 will be a great year, and of corse finding the right prop for better performance its most important
Glad to see the channel growing. Recent 'non-drone-centric' vids are great. Hope you keep it up.
Niice haircut. Thanks for talking through props and your reasoning for this and that. Should do more videos like this; talk more about what and why and compare/contrast. I like it. Thanks!
Thanks for the pro tips. Keep up the good work Steele.
Great info! like the ending keeping it real, been vloggin and never realized the amount of tries it takes to get it right! the tree said, "GET OFF ME" EPIC!
HAHAHA love the outtakes at the end :) great info on how and why to choose props based on setup rather than "the in thing"
Instructive as always ! Like the haircut.
I really appreciate that you drop knowledge along with amazing flight videos. My adventure in the fpv world will happen this Xmas.
Almost 50K now man..... Congrats in advanced!
about time someone said all this stuff. next up is telling people that C ratings are bull crap on most lipos. uk company is trying to sell a lipo at something like 90 to 180 C. no way! keep them coming dude. super informative.
Love your hair man, also like the beard with the moustache better than just the moustache.
Love these technical vids, keep it up!
I dig that alot Steele. Consistency is important. I did all that keeping up with the Jones's and following the new hype this week shit. Spent alot of money and hours rebuilding quads because I thought this product was this and that product was that. Now I do what works for me. Sure I still try new products. I just dont go out and buy them for every setup and rebuild the whole fleet with the newest and hotest this week. LOL.. Thanks again man.
Thanks. So true about things breaking. Nice to have a durable quad.
great video man. very good wisdom for newer people getting into the hobby. so many people screw up and end up constantly working on their quads and want these ridiculous prop / motor combos that just don't work well.
Nice haircut :) I personally like king kong 5*4*3 purple props, they are so hard to break and they are cheap. I break hq props like I break girls' hearts :p And I love when you don't miss the details like being translucent and transparent. Thanks for all your videos.
Once again a good video, Thanks so much for taking the time to post this stuff. Peace.
Great info to share steele. I love the old school glass fiber HQ props except every time i looked at them funny they would break. :D
Thanks for the opinions/facts/insights. I'd love to try all those props/batteries/etc. but I don't have the time or the money do to it (like you said, I want to fly... ) so I appreciate what you have to say about it. When I can't fly due to weather, the need to build something new/hot/hype is strong, but it's nice to have a voice of reason too. You are that voice Mr S.
Great vid. I use HQ 5x4x4 on all my quads, they feel amazing on tight corners and handling. Love the wisdom bro!
Love these videos.. Please keep doing them. I just recently bought a Kingkong 210gt and I'm still trying to find the right prop for me.. Thanks for all the Knowledge
Nice and in depth! Always learning something from you ;) and the haircut looks good imo :)
Great video Steele, very informative. Thanks for this insight into props and letting us know what you like/don't like.
So not gonna lie you Mr. Steele have inspired me to build my first "freestyle" quad and I know she will be heavy (Robocat 270) but its going to be learning deal from my phantom 3. But on a side note I did get 2 blade bull nose 5045 as a first prop (just for the added lift), guess I was not thinking about the weight! Thanks for the insight on you're prop selection!
I've tried every prop under the sun. Always go back to HQ 5040x3. The RK 5040x3 or would be my second favorite
Thank you for addressing the man-bun controversy. We need leaders like you to take a stand on these important issues
Thanks mr. Steele the video is so good I have to watch it twice to catch everything that you're saying. There's a lot of good knowledge here about drones and weight and dependability. So thank you very much
Just went back to two blade props after all these years. I like how they feel greasy in the turns. Analog 4 life
nice harcut, way better than the bun ;)
I like the color too! Neat how they colored it so perfectly faded.
totally agree with you, in the air = GOOD!
i also down pitched to 5x4x3 and what a difference, batteries are cooler same locked in feeling, as responsive, increased flight time. yet to put some 4 blades through some abuse as im loving the triblades, maybe next year :)
Big ups Mr Steele!
Ha ha ha i freaking love u Steele! Funny stuff and good information in one video, love watching your flying and i try to learn stuff of it, but videos like this really helps me understand stuff a little better in theory so thank u! :)
I think that repairing my quad is as cool as flying it:)
And its half the fun. I love building!
Building/Tweaking/Repairing are more Fun, than one would think :)
Happy Flying.
Awesome video man, your knowledge is exceptional
I absolutely agree with you. The quest for more kv and spinning giant airfoils and massive pitch with heavy props is pissing off batteries, and heating up ESC's and motors all for the sake of what, 60 seconds of fast forward flight? :-) For the freestyle pilots, the HQ 5x4x3 can't be beat. I, like you, use them on my freestyle setups. I sometimes will run a DAL 5x4x3, but they are thin and flexible, and you don't always get that locked in "snap" corner feeling. I have tested the new DJI snail propulsion system though with the 5048S Quick release props, and, just like you said, they utilize a bigger stator and lower kv to swing that prop efficiently. it's a 2305 @2400kv, and it's not a battery killer like I thought it would be. Great video as always man, and I think it helps get the info out there that basically a prop should fit your style and what you do, there isn't a cookie cutter, one size fits all approach to prop choice. One last side note, the bendable props, like the DAL and the PC, the "hit, bend and land" has caused me some grief in the past, nothing like bending a prop and having it bend downward only to wreck an ESC... oh what fun that is! Keep up the good work man, I talked to Chad, and the next time you are all in Ohio, I will be flying with you! (hopefully)
A fine mantra, "If you're not up in the air you're not learning... or having fun." Rightious! Keep up the fine work my friend. oh! and Sub'd!!! Gotta look up races and meets here in Germany. This shit rules!!
Damn fine work. The bad news is that even though you've "answered this question", people are still going to ask.
LOL everyone's trying to imitate johnny!
Good video. Keep these types of vids coming! A lot can be learned from hearing different people's rationale as to how and why they chose a particular set up.
Awesome video Steele! I got to order some props now.
I definitely went from the 5x4.5x3 bullnose to the normal 5x4x3 which was an eye opener. The bullnose pulled way to much amps on 2600kv motors and I can see the performance difference .
Kudos Steele, Very well said and explained!
Hey, you consider the mass to quantify the ease to spin up and down, but in fact you should consider also the distribution of it which will actually make the moment of inertia. For spinning up, the shape of the prop will also matter as a strong angle and surface close to the center will be easier to manage than if it's far. I have no clue of how the racekraft fly, but their design is interesting and implies things going beyond the simple mass of the prop.
Lots of discussion about mass and only one comment about inertia.
The moment of inertia is a more critical metric than simple mass. I blame public schools.
Thanks Manuel!
Great video as usual! You sound just like me harping about these same things, lol. Now I know you're sponsored by HQ, but I really wish you'd tried/talked about the DAL Cyclone. Many racers and freestyle pilots have now switched to this prop as their favourite. And I 100% agree with everything you said, including the RK 5051 lol.
Yeah, I enjoyed your video! Will look at some others. Great job and helping my out. Thanks
Awesome videos man cant wait to get flying never actually had a quad copter that was decent but im inspired by all your videos man Ive seen the very first one all the way to this videos and I watched your style get smoother and sicker every video, I hope one day I can fly a pack with you see you around man.
Nice prop reasoning Steele... HQs will be my prop, until I grasp enough to have the feel tune some of U guys achieve!
... And I have a big BAG of 5x4x3 HQs to destroy first...
One thing I take from your knowledge that resonated like a bright bulb was CONSISTENCY and that lead me to a diff mind set on quads and other things.
Learning is a never ending game!...
I try to tell people this same info all the time! Great video!
Steel, you need to do a podcast so we can listen and drive to work :) it will be Yuge!
SweepwingsRC let's drone out is a good start killing a few hours
SweepwingsRC he actully has one now! Check out failsafe weekly podcast! :)
So that's the deal with props!!
:-)
Thanks Steele
Great video Steele! We did miss your opinion on the DALprop though ;)
I agree 100%. That is it. More KV, more props angle, more more more... but less flight times, less efficiency, and less FUN!!!!!!
Great video steele i am currently using the same props you do an i love em.!
Now, this was very interesting!
Thanks Steele!
lol, You always make my day. Nice hairs man, suits your style well. I love the same 5x4x3 prop. Keep ripping all the things!
Good info. I have been using some of the almost indestructible DAL props since I crash way too much.
Great video love HQ 5X4.3x3V1S PC! Have been gifted a set of HQ5x4x4r, following your video looking forward to flying them tomorrow...
Good info Steele... I too still fly HQ 5x4x3, even after trying several other 2-blade and 3-blade props from all kinds of manufacturers. For me they feel the snappiest and smoothest of the bunch. RaceKraft 5x4x3's are close, though not always as butter smooth -- presumably not as well balanced. I have not yet tried the new HQs you showed @4:28, it was great to see your opinion on it first; thanks!
Thanks Steele. Many good points in this vid.
Another AWESOME video filled with good info thank you sir!!!
keep up the good work 👊
greetings from Holland
lol at the finish. rippin' bobs
Totally understandable that you have what suits you .
It would be interesting to see how other motors with props work too.
Some of the new motors are over 1hp now, so they may get the efficiency and power combination.
Others should perhaps put their views out on the same stuff.
cheers and thanks for posting.
Great video man! Great stuff keep it up!
Nice explanation Steele! 100% agree with your philosophy & approach to looking at the end-to-end harmony of what works + is sustainable.
I'm hoping things might evolve when we get new "magic" batteries that can consistently handle more amps & weigh 50% less ... but for now its about finding that sweet spot & the best compromise given current constraints.
Hope Shaina likes your new haircut & doesn't mind the new scratchy beard too?
Every thing has pros and cons.. all about that balance for you.
Seriously, thank you for dropping that knowledge. Much Respect!!
good video steele! like what you talk!
At around 7:13 you mentoined the resonant frequency of polycarbonate props. I found this true with other PC as well , e.g.; DAL V2, Racekraft tri and Kingkong. For me, at just below hover it resonates like crazy (kissed 5" alien). Though others do not seem to have these issues running these props (based on youtube video's). What is the key to eliminating(or improving) this resonance? PIDS?
Haha I love how you explain stuff man haha its why I binge watch vids haha even older stuff I've seen haha 😄
Steele I've been watching your videos for about 8 months, and I wanted to note that this type of video is what made me appreciate your content. Of course your flying is amazing, but it's also good to see your human side as well. Keep up the good work, and don't forget to wax your stache.
Good vid Steel, like all of them. I want to add note on motor KV and copper fill vs power in regards to one of your comment of higher KV having less copper. Big picture: Changing the KV of a motor does not usually take away copper (unless you lower copper fill in the stator slots), nor does it alter it's torque output capability. Details: Changing KV means altering the dimensions of the motor or the number of turns per tooth. A 1000KV motor and a 2000KV motor are both capable of the same torque output and RPM, but the way you get there is a bit different. Assuming copper fill of each slot is the same but the turn count is different, i.e. say a 1000KV = 10 turns and 2000KV = 5 turns. The 2000KV motor will take 2x the current of the 1000KV motor to reach the same torque output and the 1000KV motor will need 2x the voltage to reach the same RPM as the 2000KV motor (but half the amps), so at some point it will make more sense from a controller standpoint to up drive voltage vs upping current. Ultimately total power (watts = voltage x current) output comes down the copper fill. Part of reason you can often get more power (watts) from the same prop running a higher KV motor of the same size is efficiency will drop. An electric motor makes it's peak power at 50% of motor stall torque, which is roughly 50% of the unloaded KV. Torque is proportional to input current (at least until you start reaching core saturation or have high eddy current losses which increase with RPM) I should probably make a vid on motor physics in layman's terms since this is a complex topic and I often see bad info. Nerd mode disengaged...crap, it won't disengage!
Good to see other people with an understanding of brushless motors. The Torque/KV nonsense is really widespread.
Yup, lots of bad info mainly due to poor anecdotes, but it is a complex subject. I design high current 3 phase motor drives/inverters and code FOC motor control for fun (and hopefully profit). Helps to know the physics + math. Too bad learning the sticks isn't as easy as learning theory :(
+ZombieSS77 thanks for the info. I understand there are not black and white figures when it comes to three phase motors however. For this lesson in general what I said is a basic understanding of how these things work. The more winds the lower the KV the less winds the higher. Obviously copper fill/gauge/stator design/and even magnet strength taken part in final KV numbers. But.
You think beginners want to have their minds twisted into a pretzel talking about that stuff. I appreciate the info. But I did go to school for this stuff and I choose my battles My audience is not wanting in depth theory. If they wanted that there are other more technical channels out there.
I provide basics and real world application not numbers and calculates that don't pertain to the average joe :)
Cheers man
The audience is the key. You don't tell the world you're burning x amount of C02 emissions a minute you tell them baby seals are dying.
I thinks Steele has good point in the video. Of course it is not the most accurate way of explaining things but it is easy to understand and it fits well to the audience, as Steele already said.
The shaft power of a motor is torque times rotational speed, so if you double the KV of the motor and keep the torque constant, the output power also doubles. That's why speed, torque and power are all connected to each other.
The mildly autistic engineer that lives in my head escaped again last night; then he got stoned. I locked him up in his lab again and gave him some calculus equations to solve. I think the dude models himself after James May, but I'm more of a Jeremy "More POWER!" Clarkson fan. Wife and I love the vids, she's learning how to fly a mini quad as well (I'm so lucky).