F550 Prop Size Recommendation?

[PilotHal]

Hello;
I have a F550 Flamewheel with the stock motors and Graupner 8x5 props. I have the new Zenmuse GoPro gimbal along with a Hero3 as well. I also have the Pulse 6600 mAh flat-pack battery that I fly with. I feel that the copter is very mushy. Although I haven't really played with the gains recently, I am wondering if I should be using bigger props. Something like 9x5's?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
/Hal

 

[Tahoe Ed]

I assume that your lipo is 4S. The Graupners don't supply a lot of lift. You can try the 9x5's if you can find them.. I have been using the DJI 10x3.8's on 4S with good success. I will be more sensitive to winds but other than that it works fine.

 

[PilotHal]

I assume that your lipo is 4S. The Graupners don't supply a lot of lift. You can try the 9x5's if you can find them.. I have been using the DJI 10x3.8's on 4S with good success. I will be more sensitive to winds but other than that it works fine.

Yeah, that's what I'm finding. I can't find the 9x5's anywhere and they're expensive. I hate like hell to give DJI any more of my money. I welcome additional suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[jhardway]

Depending on the motors I highly suggest extending the arms to a 600ish and adding 11 inch props, I found mine flew best in those conditions, I had for about a year. Nice copter.

 

[OneStopRC]

9x5 or 10x5 Graupners are available from Team Black Sheep's website. Not sure why I am telling you this because I still have not had a reply from them in over 2 months. Yes, still have 2 bad 9x5 Graupners that I can't use!! but you can buy the dodgy props for $30 for 4 of them.

 

[bruce365]

Hi PilotHal, I use 10"x5 Graupners on my F550 (AUW 2.45kg) stock motors and 5amp 4S bat. I feel for the weight you are carrying 8" props are way too small. For the bare flamewheel (no additions) 8" props are very good performers but when you add weight they do not generate enough thrust.

A cheaper option would be the new DJI 10"x3.8 blades, I have not tried them but they are supposedly quite good. Stay away from the original DJI blades they will eventually break.

Note that if you decide to use Graupner on DJI 920kv motors, the Graupner hub is much thinner (in Height) and you need to add a spacer.

regards - bruce

 

[photobobga]

My experience on props for my F550 has been extended to the RCTimer offerings. I have a complete set of their carbon fiber...

9x5 http://www.rctimer.com/product_864.html
9x4.7 http://www.rctimer.com/product_793.html
10.4.5 http://www.rctimer.com/product_946.html
10.3.8 http://www.rctimer.com/product_880.html
and 10x5 http://www.rctimer.com/product_774.html

I do have a complete set of 10" Graupners but prefer the RCTimers. Their price is also very attractive.

Depending on the wind and total weight I will select the best prop for that day. My experience with RCtimer's props has been very favorable. They balance with minimal adjustments and I have not had any sign of a failure. I also use them (bigger sizes)on my 800 size hex. They are my go-to standard prop for all my aerial photography and video work.