Discussion thread-Heli Blades

[theecoop]

I thought this would be a good place to get everyones views on the best blades for beginners

Will start with a few simple questions, What is better blade length for a T-rex450
The 315 or the 325 ?
which type wood ,composite,plastic. whats the advantages and disadvantages of each?

[TDisaster]

I'd go for wood. Breaks in crashes and thus typically saves head parts. I'm using 325's on my Belt CP (t-rex copy) and it fly wonderfully. I'm using the ones from helidirect that have 3 pairs in a package.

http://www.helidirect.com/product_in...oducts_id=5532

[HeliG]

I've always used the Align 325 Pro Wood blades but the option at HeliDirect looks good. Stick with wood because they will explode on impact rather than breaking a bunch of parts in the head.

[SkunkyMagoo]

The best performing blades on the market for beginners are the align pro wood. When you get past the hovering and general FF stage you will probably want something else, I know I noticed major flex when I started to fly hard. You do not want your blades to fold on you in a high g banked turn.

[MaxAdventure]

Re-title this thread. I personally think a 325/450 class is a great beginner heli, but what about the coax, the fix pitch, the 425 that's getting a lot of attention now, the 550 that used to be the standard 'trainer' before the micro electric revolution, and all those starting at the very big bang-for-the-buck 600 size?!?! we start talking 550 and 600 blades and I say wood are great for testing, but even for learning you'll do better with a basic set of carbons. Mavrikk are a very good value.

as for the 325, I don't know I've heard anyone say different than the Align pro's.

[KrazyEighths]

I think wood is the only way to go for a novice. You could also try some 335 blades as they will slow things up a bit as well.

[solentlife]

325 blades but I advocate the GRP ones.

a) I have weighed 6 GRP blades on my lab scales and they are all similar with neglible difference.
b) Balancing has been easy and only needed a small strip of clear tape on one blade.
c) They shatter at holder end when strike, saving rotor holders / head.
d) Careful examination show good uniform section.
e) Weight is good compromise between CF and wood blades.
f) Price is very attractive, mine being chinese online buys at approx. $2 - $3 a pair. I've just ordered a 6 pair set + 6 pair tail matching for $20 + shipping.

I have not found my blades to be as some post saying problems with them.

[Ribcracker]

What is GRP?

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by Ribcracker

What is GRP?

Glass Reinforced Plastic .... commonly incorrectly called Glassfibre.

Material used to construct most modern Yachts, various covers for many household, motoring and camping items.
Usually consists of Glass Fibre strand matt or cloth impregnated with Polyester Resin or Laminating Epoxy Resin.

GRP blades are often light balsa core with laminated glassfibre / resin outer skin set in a mould to give uniform finish, top resin coat can be coloured to any design etc.
On Ebay and in many advertisements stated as GF blades and much cheaper than CF (Carbon Fibre).

Points to note : Carbon fibre is a marvelous material and its strength is legendary. But beware in that property is a serious flaw. It is only a mono-directional strength. That is why CF items can shatter easily when stressed not in design direction. GRP items on the other hand being mat or laid cloth, have multi-directional strength and able to withstand stress in most directions. It may not have the ultimate 'steel' strength of CF, but it will survive stresses that CF will not due to direction.
CF also has the property of blocking RF if placed between TX and RX .. a property of the carbon content. A CF frame can be an effective RF screen if not careful in placing RX antena etc. GRP does not screen RF apart from a very slight reduction as is usual with any solid material.

Just thought I'd mention ....

[Ribcracker]

Thank you, solentlife. The acronym threw me. I've always just known these as fiber glass blades. And I've busted up enough of them to corroborate your description of their internal structure.
A lot of the Chinese GRP blades are warehoused here in the states so that we can have have quick access and great prices. One of my favorite sources is: http://www.xheli.com/fibl1.html
And thanks for the educational post. It's a great public service to us blade breakers.
Peace,
Bud

[solentlife]

Originally Posted by Ribcracker

Thank you, solentlife. The acronym threw me. I've always just known these as fiber glass blades. And I've busted up enough of them to corroborate your description of their internal structure.
A lot of the Chinese GRP blades are warehoused here in the states so that we can have have quick access and great prices. One of my favorite sources is: http://www.xheli.com/fibl1.html
And thanks for the educational post. It's a great public service to us blade breakers.
Peace,
Bud

No prob .. even over here we talk casually of Fibreglass when we should really say GRP.
Just for the record - I may sound a bit school'ish in my posts sometimes but I know that often some who need a bit more depth to answer are reading, so not always trying to teach who I'm replying to what they already know ... if you see what I mean !

Living as I do in model starved Latvia - I have to order all my gear online - mostly from china ... I have to look at not only actual price - but also shipping costs. GRP blades are very cost effective for me.

[LowThudd]

Excellent thread! I recently bought a used Storm 450 and 80% of my questions have now been answered. Thanks!