Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best large drone propeller

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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, I’ll break down everything you need to know about FPV drone propellers and share my top recommendations.

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Propeller Recommendations

Propellers 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, I’ve narrowed down some of the best propellers for different use cases.

Best 5″ Props

Best 5″ Props for Sub250

Best 7″ Props

Best 3″ Props for Freestyle

Best 3″ Props for Cinewhoops

Best 3.5″ Props for Freestyle

Best 3.5″ Props for Cinewhoops

Best 2″ Props for Cinewhoops

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 can’t fly in space because there’s 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.

• Larger Props: Generate more thrust due to a larger surface area but require more powerful motors. In my experience, with the right FPV drone motor, larger propeller tend to be more efficient. They generate more lift therefore can carry more payload,
• Smaller Props: Produce less thrust but are easier on the motor, changing RPM is faster therefore the drone can be more responsive and nimble.

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.

Pitch

The 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). It’s similar to how a screw moves through a solid material with each turn.

• Low Pitch Props:
  • Easier to spin through the air, enabling quicker RPM changes.
  • Provide more responsive control and generate less propwash vibration.
  • Requires less motor torque and draws less current.
  • Move less air, resulting in lower thrust and top speed.
• High Pitch Props:
  • Move more air per rotation, creating greater thrust and allowing for higher top speeds.
  • Require more torque to change RPM, which can reduce responsiveness if the motor struggles to provide enough power.
  • Typically less efficient than lower pitch props.

How Many Blades?

The third number (e.g., the 3 in 5x4x3) indicates the number of blades on the propeller. Common options include:

• Two-Blade Props: Known for efficiency and low drag, ideal for long-range flying due to reduced current draw and better flight time.
• Three-Blade Props: Offer a balance of thrust, agility, and efficiency, the most popular choice for FPV drones, providing excellent grip and stable performance.
• Four-Blade Props (or More): Generate more thrust and stability but are less efficient, commonly used in small cinewhoops for lifting heavier payloads while maintaining a compact form factor.

Adding More Blades

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 isn’t powerful enough, it reduces responsiveness. It can also reduce your flight time significantly due to the higher current draw.

Common Uses

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, you’d experience greater drag and makes it harder to accelerate or decelerate, reducing agility.

Propeller Rotation

Propellers 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 it’s 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 motors—much like a helicopter with a damaged tail rotor (a scenario you’ve 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 propeller’s 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 Mounting

Typical 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

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.

T-Mount

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.

Press Fit

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. It’s 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 aren’t intended to crash, as they are more expensive and prone to damage.

Stick with plastic props—they’re affordable, easy to replace, and well-suited for most flying styles.

How to Install Propellers?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly installing propellers on your FPV drone:

1. Check Motor Orientation

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).

• Install CW props on the front-left and rear-right motors.
• Install CCW props on the front-right and rear-left motors.

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.

2. Identify the Top and Bottom of the Propeller

• The top side of the propeller is often glossy or shiny, and near the hub, it may feature extruded text like the model or size numbers.
• The bottom side typically has a matte finish.

Make sure the glossy/text side faces up when installing the propellers. If the props are mounted upside down, the drone’s performance will be severely reduced—or it might flip over when you try to take off.

3. Match Propellers to Motors

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.

4. Secure the Props

Attach the props securely using the provided screws, lock nuts, or other fasteners. Loose props can fly off mid-flight, leading to a crash.

5. Double-Check Installation

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 Out

FPV 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, it’s 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.

Learn more about the pros and cons of pusher configuration here: https://oscarliang.com/pusher-configuration-explained/

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 it’s 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  won’t go into too much detail here, you can learn about all the different drone sizes in this post.

Thrust

Thrust 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 they’re 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.

Smoothness

In the hobby, people often use the term “smoothness” to describe the quality of a motor or propeller. It’s 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”.

Speed

A propeller that creates lots of thrust with high pitch doesn’t necessarily make a drone faster than a lower pitch propeller that generates less thrust. As the propeller’s 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 drone’s 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 Attack

The 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 drone’s attitude and speed.

Hovering and Low-Speed Flight

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.

Forward Flight and High-Speed Cruising

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.

Finding the Optimal Setup

It’s just a generalization, it’s absolutely necessary to experiment with different props to find the optimal setup for your specific drone setup and flight style.

Rayi supply professional and honest service.

Weather and Temperature

Cold 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 Altitude

Altitude can drastically affect air density and, consequently, the performance of your FPV drone. In areas of lower air density, such as high altitudes, you’ll 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, it’s advisable to use higher-pitch propellers to compensate for the reduced air density.

Impact on Tuning

Changing propellers can have an effect on your drone’s 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 , it’d 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 experience—especially in urban areas or indoor.

Factors That Affect Propeller Noise:

1. RPM (How Fast It Spins): Higher RPM creates higher-frequency noise, often perceived as a loud whine. Some cinewhoop would use props with a higher blade count in order to reduce RPM while maintaining the same thrust output, which can result in a quieter drone at the cost of efficiency.
2. Propeller Design: The shape, pitch, and surface area of the blades affect airflow and noise. Wider or thicker blades may create a deeper sound, while thinner blades can be more high-pitched. Toroidal props have a unique shape that produces a softer, more pleasant sound profile to the human ear. Learn more about them here: https://oscarliang.com/toroidal-propellers/
3. Frame Design: Cinewhoops, with their ducted frames, are particularly noisy due to the way air is pushed through the ducts at high RPM. Open-frame designs generally produce less noise in comparison.

Final Thoughts

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. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and see what works best for you.

Happy flying!

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The Ultimate Guide to FPV Drone Propellers

For a FPV drone pilot, the propellers you use have a big impact on how well your drone performs and handles. A smooth and stable flight can be achieved with the correct props, as opposed to a wobbly and unstable one. This comprehensive FPV drone propellers guide will cover all the information you require to select the ideal props for your FPV drone.

What’s a FPV Drone Propeller?

The unsung heroes of an FPV drone parts are the propellers, commonly known as the props. Propeller rotation through the engines creates a powerful downward wind. The drone is raised when the force produced overcomes the pull of gravity. The drone can climb, descend, accelerate, and decelerate by changing the motors’ speed, which changes how much push the props produce.

We offer a thorough explanation of the various aspects of FPV drone props performance in this tutorial, including pitch, shape, and the number of blades. This tutorial will explain how to select the proper props for your quadcopter, boosting your flying experience regardless of your level of experience. Discover all there is to know about propellers to advance your quadcopter flying.

Reading the Propeller Numbers

You might have noticed when looking at props that most of them have a string of numbers attached to them. Let’s break down how to read these statistics because different companies may name their products in a way that makes interpretation challenging.

FPV drone propeller manufacturers use 3 types of format:

• L x P x B or LP x B or LP,
• L = length; P = pitch; B = blade count.

For instance, 5 x 4.3 x 3 Tri-Blade means 5” props, 4.3” pitch and 3 blades; iFlight Nazgul Tri-Blade has 5.1”, 3-bladed props at 4” pitch; and MEPS SPACE SZ Prop is 4.9” in diameter and has 4.2” pitch.

Propeller Direction

Propeller direction refers to the orientation in which a propeller rotates on a drone. Proper propeller direction is crucial for safe and efficient flight performance. Most props are arranged in pairs, with two rotating clockwise (CW) and two rotating counterclockwise (CCW). This configuration ensures stable and balanced flight as the opposing forces of the props cancel each other out.

It’s important to install the propellers correctly according to the motor rotation direction. If a propeller is installed in the wrong direction or on the wrong motor, it could cause the FPV drone to spin out of control or crash.

Propellers are often sold in pairs, CW and CCW, when purchased. In order to create downward force for the drone to take flight, the props must spin in a way that allows the leading edge to first cut through the air before the air exits via the following edge. Finding a prop’s leading edge, which is typically designated on the blade as either CW or CCW, makes determining its direction simple.

Things to Consider When Choosing FPV Drone Propellers

Size

The size of the propeller is an essential factor to consider when choosing quadcopter props. Naturally, larger props produce more force when spinning since they have a larger surface area. In addition, it “grips” better in the air because to the larger surface area, which improves its performance in tight bends. However, it requires more power to run because the props are heavier.

Smaller props, on the other hand, will spin with less thrust. Similar to how it has less “grip” in the air due to the reduced surface area. As a result of the smaller and lighter weight of the props, the drone may accelerate and decelerate more quickly, giving you the impression that it is more “responsive” to your commands.

Pitch

FPV propeller pitch refers to the distance that a prop would travel if it rotated through one full revolution. It’s measured in inches or millimeters and is typically listed as a number followed by an “x” and another number, such as 5×3 or 6×4.5.

The first number indicates the diameter of the propeller, while the second number represents the pitch. A higher pitch means that the propeller produces more thrust but requires more power to spin, while a lower pitch produces less thrust but requires less power.

Choosing the right propeller pitch for your quadcopter depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of your drone, the motor and ESC configuration, and your flying style. Generally, lower pitch propellers are better for slower, more stable flights, while higher pitch props are better for faster, more aggressive flights.

Number of Blades

Props could have two, three, four, or even more blades. Without a doubt, the thrust produced by the props on your drone actually reduces as the number of blades increases. The outcome is nearly identical to installing longer propellers. However, installing longer blades is unnecessary if you have more than one blade. According to analysis, tri-blade propellers are typically substantially superior than two-blade propellers. Tri-blade drones often follow a torque curve, which makes the yaw axis extremely sensitive.

 Material

You’ll typically be given the choice between plastic and carbon fiber. The former is by far the material that is utilized the most frequently in modern props.Plastic propellers are less expensive and rigid. They are more durable thanks to their flexibility, which is a crucial quality for beginning pilots.

Propellers made of carbon fiber perform better and are quieter. Although expensive, they are perfect for seasoned drone pilots who have a lower crash rate.For delicate situations where less vibration is essential, I suggest using carbon fiber props.

 Thrust and Efficiency

Your props must ultimately generate thrust. Your drone moves by thrust. The design (and motor) of the props determines how much push they can generate. Your props should generate as much thrust as feasible.

The amount of electricity needed to operate a prop depends on its specifications. For instance, higher pitch props require more power to operate. Because of this, the motor is less effective, resulting in higher power consumption per unit of push produced. For long-distance flying, efficiency comes first because you want to get the most flight time possible. Efficiency is not a huge problem if you are participating in FPV racing. You require some thrust. In general, efficiency decreases as thrust increases.

How Do I Choose a Drone Motors and Propellers​?

When selecting motors and propellers for your drone, it’s crucial to understand how they interact. Once a propeller is mounted on a motor, the rotational speed (RPM) decreases significantly due to air resistance. To overcome this resistance and maintain performance, higher KV motors spin faster, generating more thrust and power—but they also draw more current.

Typically:

• Larger propellers are better suited for low KV motors, which provide the necessary torque at lower speeds.
• Smaller, lighter propellers work more efficiently with high KV motors, which can spin at higher RPMs with less load.

However, if you pair a high KV motor with a large or heavy propeller, the motor will attempt to maintain its high RPM, demanding much more torque. This leads to:

• Increased current draw
• Higher temperatures
• Risk of motor overheating

Overheating can be destructive. Excess heat may damage the insulation on the motor windings, causing internal electrical shorts and ultimately leading to motor failure.

For this reason, high KV motors tend to run hotter than low KV motors of the same size—especially when mismatched with oversized props.

Noise Considerations When Choosing FPV Drone Propellers

While often overlooked, the noise level of FPV drone propellers plays a big role in your overall flying experience—especially when flying in urban environments or indoors where sound sensitivity matters.

Here are the key factors that influence propeller noise:

RPM (Rotations Per Minute)

Higher RPMs typically produce a higher-frequency noise, which often sounds like a sharp whine. To reduce this, cinewhoops commonly use propellers with more blades. More blades mean the drone can generate the same amount of thrust at a lower RPM, resulting in a quieter operation—though usually at the expense of efficiency.

Propeller Design

The shape, pitch, and blade width all affect how loud your FPV drone sounds in flight:

• Wider or thicker blades tend to create a deeper, bass-like hum.
• Thinner or narrow-pitch blades produce a higher-pitched sound.
• Toroidal propellers, with their rounded, donut-like shape, are designed to produce a softer, more pleasant sound profile, making them ideal for cinematic or stealthy flights.

Frame and Ducting

The type of drone frame also influences how loud your FPV drone propellers will be:

• Cinewhoops with ducted frames amplify prop noise due to high-pressure airflow through narrow ducts—making them some of the noisiest FPV setups.
• Open-frame drones tend to allow air to move more freely, resulting in less noise and a cleaner sound profile.

When selecting FPV drone propellers, don’t ignore the noise factor—especially if you’re flying in sound-sensitive environments. Choosing the right combination of blade design, motor RPM, and frame type can help you build a drone that’s not only powerful but also pleasant to hear.

Types of Propeller Mounting

The three most popular mounting techniques for FPV drone motors are press fit, T-mount, and prop nuts. Each variety has benefits and is appropriate for particular drone sizes and uses. Make sure you understand which setup your motors use before picking up propellers to avoid incompatibility.

Prop Nuts

The most popular mounting technique for larger rigs and 5 FPV drones is using prop nuts. Using a self-locking nylon nut, the propeller is fastened to a motor shaft with an M5 thread.

T-Mount

Two tiny M2 screws are used to fasten the propeller to the motor bell in T-Mount configurations. The prop is centered with the aid of the motor shaft, which is usually 1 or 1.5 mm in diameter. For drones that are smaller and have less power, the lightweight design is perfect. It provides a snug fit without the need for big nuts or threaded shafts. This installation is used for small FPV drones, ranging from 2 to 4 inches.

Fit by Pressing

Press-fit mounting involves pushing the propeller onto the motor shaft and holding it there via friction. Motor shafts are commonly 1mm or 1.5mm in diameter. Because there are no screws or nuts required, the propeller can be changed easily and with less weight. Propellers could, however, fly off in crashes or if the engines spin too quickly. This is popular in toothpicks (ultralight) drones and tiny whoops.

FPV Propellers Recommendations

Indoors

The whoop class sizes range from 31 to 95 mm. They usually have Whoop-style vents and are safe to use to bounce around inside your home. Here are my recommendations.

MEPS Propeller 2pairs/bag

• Specially designed for Tinywhoops.
• High Resistance to Damage.
• Three color options.
• Matching motor

Gemfan-3

• Patented design and unique shape
• Props are optimized for racing
• High durability and extremely lightweight
• Excellent quality
• Matching motor

Outdoors

Empty playgrounds, underground parking lots, and other types of small fields are all suitable locations for outdoor flying.These are places where I prefer to fly 3 inch prop quadcopter. Here are my recommendations.

HQ-3

With HQ Prop, increase your speed, power, and control. The three-blade HQ props will advance your flying grace to a new level. Its three-blade design and 3.5 inch prop diameter may give your quadcopter excellent liftoff power. It is manufactured of thin PC material.

• Matching motor

Gemfan-3

• PACK OF 16 PROPELLERS, 8 Clockwise (CW) & 8 Counter-Clockwise (CCW) + 1 RAYCorp Battery Strap – Color: Clear Red (16 Props)
• One of the Most Used Propeller for sub 250-sized quadocopters, hexacopters and FPV racers
• 100% Genuine & Brand New. Made with High Quality Polycarbonate for Maximum Performance, Durability and Balance.
• Perfect for 210 and 180 sized FPV racers like : QAV210, QAV180, ZMR210, ZMR180, SRD 180, SRD 210 or Walkera F210 & other multirotors, quadcopters and hexacopter.
• Top-Notch Manufacturing Standards for Optimal Product Quality
• Matching motor

Racing and Freestyle

The 5 inch prop is the norm for racing. To find the ideal blend for you, experiment with your motor’s pitch and coupling. Additionally, freestyle is similar to racing in that you can experiment with your motor’s pitch and coupling to discover the best combination for you.

MEPS SZ Racing Drone Prop

• Special blade design provides greater thrust.
• Smooth surface reduces wind resistance.
• Polycarbonate material with better durability.
• Recommendation – Freestyle Motor SZ; Racing Motor SZ.

MEPS SZ Propeller for FPV Racing Drone

• Special blade design provides greater thrust.
• Selected PC materials for lighter weight.
• Larger pitch for higher speed.
• Recommendation – NEON Motor; NEON Motor.

Long Range

You can now access 6 inch and 7 inch props. Although they will consume more power, long-range experts have discovered that using a big battery and the right mid KV can help you accomplish remarkably extended flight periods.

For 6 inch–HQ-3

• HQ Prop Triple blade V1S Black 2CW+2CCW Polycarbonate
• The durable multirotor props are robust and unbreakable!
• Recommendation –  MEPS Motor SZ.5

For 7 inch–HQProp DP 7X3.5X3 V1S PC Propeller

Long-range pilots may now enjoy very smooth flights and jello-free videos thanks to HQProp’s launching of a 7″ three-blade prop.

• Recommendation – MEPS Motor SZ.5

How to Install Propellers?

Installing your propellers correctly is essential for a safe and stable flight. Improper installation can cause poor performance—or even cause your drone to flip on takeoff. Follow these simple steps to make sure your props are mounted the right way:

Step 1: Check Motor Rotation Direction

Before mounting the props, verify your motor spin directions. By default, Betaflight expects:

• CW (Clockwise) props on the front-left and rear-right motors
• CCW (Counterclockwise) props on the front-right and rear-left motors

Pro Tip: All front props spin toward the FPV camera, while rear props spin away from it—an easy way to remember the correct direction.

Step 2: Identify the Top and Bottom of Each Prop

Most propellers have visual cues to help with orientation:

• Top side is usually shiny or has embossed text (like model numbers)
• Bottom side is typically matte with no markings

Make sure the shiny/text side faces upward when installing. Mounting props upside down will reduce lift and may cause the drone to flip.

Step 3: Match Props to Motors

Double-check that you are attaching the right propeller to the right motor:

• CW propellers go on CW-spinning motors
• CCW propellers go on CCW-spinning motors

If the props are mismatched, your drone may flip on takeoff.

Step 4: Secure the Propellers

Use the provided lock nuts, screws, or prop tool to fasten each propeller tightly. Loose props can come off during flight and lead to crashes.

Step 5: Final Check

Before flying:

• Manually spin each propeller.
• Make sure each one is pushing air downward, confirming it’s mounted in the correct direction.

FAQs

Which is Better, 2 Blade or 3-Blade FPV Propeller?

When choosing FPV drone propellers, the number of blades makes a big difference in performance.

Two-blade props are known for their efficiency and speed. With less drag, they offer longer flight times and are ideal for racing drones that focus on straight-line speed. They’re also lighter and require less motor power, making them a popular choice for foldable or portable drones.

On the other hand, three-blade props provide better stability, thrust, and grip, especially during sharp turns or quick maneuvers. This makes them great for freestyle flying, aerial photography, or when lifting heavier payloads. However, they tend to draw more current and may require stronger motors, which increases cost and reduces efficiency.

Are Bigger Propellers Better?

Larger FPV drone propellers have their pros and cons:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website large drone propeller.