180 Constant Speed or Fixed Pitch??

bigmal · Post by **bigmal** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:16 pm

I am considering a purchase of an MX-7 180A. I was really wanting a B model with a constant speed prop. Is there that much of a difference in performance between a fixed prop versus a constant speed? I hate to pass on a really nice airplane due to it having a fixed pitch prop.

Ralph

210TC · Post by **210TC** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:24 pm

Then jump on it.
It's just one more thing not to worry about

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:57 am

In my opinion, there really is that much difference. But you know what opinions are like. A fixed prop is similar to having one gear on a bicycle. If you pitch a fixed prop for good short field performance, then it won't cruise worth a darn and vice-versa.
Now the ultimate short field airplane probably would not have a constant speed due to the weight.
The strong point of a Maule is it's flexability in my opinion, that is it's a good STOL airplane with a decent cruise speed. A fixed pitch prop reduces that flexability somewhat.

Hottshot · Post by **Hottshot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:42 am

I would like to have a Constant Speed prop on mine but it works well with the
fixed. never had anything else so I am happy bein' ignerent...

210TC · Post by **210TC** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:51 am

"bein'ignerent" is sometimes smarter ..........LOL

DEPENDS ON WHAT IT COST

Hay A64, How about "one speed on a vibrating bed"....lol..lol

aero101 · Post by **aero101** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:26 am

What you looking for in the airplane? I've got a larger McCauley fixed pitched on mine and really like it performance wise on floats, wheels and skis. It's lighter, less maintenance, and performs like a banchee, but don't have the cruz performance of a constant speed. The stock fixed pitch leaves something to be desired but does ok until you fly floats, heavy...

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:33 am

The one thing that shut's the Cub drivers up cold is when I mention that I throw 4 people and luggage with 6 hours of fuel, file IFR and put 135 in the true airspeed block

I couldn't do that without that constant speed and those upside down flaps.

a64pilot · Post by **a64pilot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:34 am

But what it really comes down to is what you need in an airplane and how much can you afford or are willing to spend. Everything airplane wise comes down to that.

210TC · Post by **210TC** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:02 pm

One very good thing about MAULEPILOTS.ORG is we have fun and you get a dubble barrel shot (info) for the same cost.

Whatever you buy the best part will be telling all of us about it. And of course us telling you what we think....HAVE FUN

bigmal · Post by **bigmal** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:04 pm

Thanks for the replys. I am still shopping but it seems there are more 180 fixed pitch airplanes available than the constant speed. I have flown a 235 Maule with the constant speed but I have not flown a 180. I have flown an RV-9 with a fixed pitch but I guess that would be comparing apples to oranges. I know the constant speed has many advantages but as I said, I did not want to pass up a nice Maule 180 only because it had a fixed pitch prop. Thanks again.

210TC · Post by **210TC** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:16 pm

Sometimes, while your looking around you loose a good opportunity.
That being said, Johan at Maule Mods has a 180 constant speed proped Maule.

N9657 · Post by **N9657** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:16 pm

I have a 180 constant speed prop and think that it might mean more because of the 180 as opposed to 210 or 235. You can get a little better performance when you can adjust for power as opposed to cruise. As was stated earlier its like having a variable speed transmission. It means more as horsepower is less.

Mountainmauler · Post by **Mountainmauler** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:00 pm

Bigmal: good topic to bring up! It has brought me to look down at my left knee and invision myself flying

, and thinking of how i use the blue knob.
N9657: Man, i agree with you! esp. as you lose HP having that variable speed transmision is great. I often go sight seeing and hitting 14500 is not odd up here and it nice to go from cruising 2200 rpm at 12500 or 13k and if you need to summit over something you can change gears to 2300-2350rpm and still see health VSI numbers.
The only 180 i flew in i was in the back just enjoying the view and not sitting up front in a small plane. Never paid attention to flying part

Wayne · Post by **Wayne** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:03 am

If money isn't a problem and you can afford it go with the constant speed prop you won't be sorry. Theres nothing like changing gears. The little extra weight the prop makes up for by far.

mars · Post by **mars** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:57 am

Mine is a MX7-180 with a constant speed prop becuase that's what I wanted. Did not think much about performance difference between the two untill went flying with a friend who flies a MX7-180 with a fixed pich prop. After landing, HE said that he wished his was a constant speed so that he could get that little extra performance out of it.

180 Constant Speed or Fixed Pitch??

180 Constant Speed or Fixed Pitch??

MX7 Prop

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