A 5-inch FPV quad uses 5.1 inch props with a 5 mm bore, in two-blade or three-blade sets. Three-blade props grip harder in turns, and two-blade props give more top speed. This guide explains prop numbers, compares blade counts, and lists the props that fit 3.5 and 5 inch frames.
What do the numbers on a prop mean?
A prop marked 5.1×4.3 measures 5.1 inches in diameter with 4.3 inches of pitch. Diameter sets thrust, and pitch sets speed.
A plane prop marked 10×6 measures 10 inches in diameter with 6 inches of pitch. The same reading rule covers plane and quad props.
Two blades or three blades?
Three-blade props give more grip and smoother control in freestyle turns. Two-blade props give more top speed and use less current.
A 3.5 inch tri-blade prop such as the 3525 flower prop suits a 3.5 inch freestyle quad. A 5-inch tri-blade suits a 5-inch freestyle quad.
Which prop fits a 3-inch cinewhoop?
A 3-inch quad uses 3016 3-inch 4-blade props in sets of 8 pairs. Four blades give more lift at low speed for a heavy cinewhoop.
A 40 mm 3-blade prop such as the 1611-3 suits a tiny whoop frame. Check the motor shaft size before ordering small props.
How do you balance a prop?
A magnetic precision prop balancer spins the prop on a shaft and shows the heavy blade. Sand the heavy blade tip until the prop sits level.
An unbalanced prop vibrates the frame and blurs FPV video. A 10 inch prop needs the same balance check as a 5 inch quad prop.
What is a prop saver, and when do you need one?
A prop saver is a rubber band mount that lets the prop slip on impact. It fits 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm motor shafts on small planes.
Prop savers suit slow flyers and trainers. They do not suit a 5-inch quad, where props bolt straight to the motor bell.
How do you pick a prop adapter?
A collet prop adapter grips the motor shaft with a tapered collet. A 5 mm collet adapter fits a 5 mm shaft, and a 3 mm adapter fits a 3 mm shaft.
A bullet prop adapter in 2 to 10 mm covers many shaft sizes in one set. An aluminum folding prop spinner suits a glider with a folding prop.
Quick comparison
| Prop | Diameter | Blades | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3016 4-blade | 3 inch | 4 | 3-inch cinewhoop |
| 3525 flower tri-blade | 3.5 inch | 3 | 3.5-inch freestyle |
| 10×6 electric | 10 inch | 2 | 40-inch plane |
| 2030 bullnose | 2 inch | 3 | 100 mm FPV |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 5-inch props on a 3.5-inch quad?
No. The props hit the frame and each other. Match prop diameter to the frame size first.
Do props have a direction?
Yes. A quad uses clockwise and counter-clockwise props in pairs. A prop mounted backwards gives no thrust.
How often should I replace props?
Replace a prop after any hard hit, even if it looks fine. A cracked prop can fail in flight and cost the quad.
What does bullnose mean on a prop?
It means the blade tip is wide and flat instead of pointed. Bullnose tips give more thrust at low speed on small quads.
Parts used
3016 3 Inch 4-Blade Props, 8 Pairs, $31.99. DarwinFPV 3016 3 inch 4-blade propellers, 8 pairs for 3 inch FPV builds. Ships from NY, USA.
T3.5×2.5×3 3525 Flower Tri-Blade 3.5 Inch FPV Props, $14.48. HQProp T3.5×2.5×3 flower-profile tri-blade 3.5 inch FPV propellers. Smooth, efficient cruising props. Ships from NY, USA.
1611-3 40mm 3-Blade PC Propeller, 8 Pcs (4CW+4CCW), $10.17. Gemfan 1611-3 40mm 3-blade PC propellers, 8 pcs (4CW+4CCW). For 0802-1102 motors on micro FPV freestyle drones. Ships from NY, USA.
2030 2×3 3-Blade Bullnose Multicopter Prop for 100mm FPV (4-Pack), $2.99. DYS 2030 2×3 3-Blade Bullnose Multicopter Prop for 100mm FPV (4-Pack). blades: 3; pack: 4 pcs (2 CW + 2 CCW). Ships from NY, USA.
10×6 (1060) Direct Drive Electric Prop (Pack of 10), $7.00. Gemfan 10×6 (1060) Direct Drive Electric Prop (Pack of 10). diameter: 10in; pitch: 6in; pack: 10 pcs. Ships from NY, USA.
9×5 (9050) Direct Drive Electric Prop (Pack of 10), $7.00. Gemfan 9×5 (9050) Direct Drive Electric Prop (Pack of 10). diameter: 9in; pitch: 5in; pack: 10 pcs. Ships from NY, USA.
APC Style 13×6.5 Nylon E-Prop, $8.00. Gemfan APC Style 13×6.5 Nylon E-Prop. diameter: 13in; pitch: 6.5in. Ships from NY, USA.
APC Style 10×7 Nylon E-Prop (2-Pack), $5.00. Gemfan APC Style 10×7 Nylon E-Prop (2-Pack). diameter: 10in; pitch: 7in; pack: 2 pcs. Ships from NY, USA.
4mm Prop Saver, $2.99. 4mm Prop Saver. motor shaft diameter: 4mm. Ships from NY, USA.
3mm Prop Saver (2-Pack), $4.99. 3mm Prop Saver (2-Pack). motor shaft diameter: 3mm; pack: 2 pcs. Ships from NY, USA.
5mm Collet Prop Adapter, $4.99. 5mm Collet Prop Adapter. motor shaft diameter: 5mm; prop shaft output: 8mm. Ships from NY, USA.
Magnetic Precision Prop Balancer, $10.00. US stock, ships fast from NY, USA. Magnetic Precision Prop Balancer. Quality checked before shipping.
Aluminum Bullet Prop Adapters, 2-10mm, 4 Pieces, $12.40. Aluminum bullet prop adapters for 2 to 10mm motor shafts. Quick prop changes, 4 pieces. Ships from NY, USA.
1-1/2 in (38mm) Aluminum Folding Prop Spinner/Hub (4mm Shaft), $18.00. 1-1/2 in (38mm) Aluminum Folding Prop Spinner/Hub (4mm Shaft). spinner diameter: 38mm (1-1/2in); motor shaft diameter: 4mm; material: machined aluminum. Ships from NY, USA.
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
APC Style E-Props for RC Airplanes in the USA
Prop Adapters and Spinners for RC Airplanes in the USA
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Propeller (diameter and pitch)
- Wikipedia: Brushless DC electric motor (KV definition)
- Betaflight: open source flight controller firmware
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.