@quick_dry: The referenced props that I purchased from APC did not require modification. I pressed a nut into each prop, then threaded the prop onto the motor shaft, then lightly hand-tightened. I added a small amount of tape to balance two of the four props. Overall, my twelve stock 3DR props required more balancing effort. The APC props do take a little practice to thread on quickly when compared to the stock 3DR props. It is also possible for a nut to fall out in storage or while handling, although this happened only once before my first flight with the new props. I used a black permanent marker to color the top of the nuts that fit the black-marked motor shafts. I currently use an
EJH Precision Prop Balancer rod with an older DuBro product, however
this DuBro product is advertised to fit the Solo props.
I have not measured sound levels to compare, however to my ears and mind the two kinds of props on a Solo have the same noise level, just a different sound quality. I will speculate (with no rigorous testing to back up this comment) that stiffer props on multirotors are able to apply motor energy more efficiently.than the more flexible props. This can be perceived in a Solo as faster attitude corrections in windy conditions, and faster acceleration to altitude or in other directions. However these props are much sharper and stiffer, which means higher risk to anyone who prefers to take a chance (not me) to catch a Solo by a leg as a landing technique. And there will be more harm if your Solo hits someone or something.
BTW... I stopped updating the
DroneSpeak.com website in September 2015, however you can find a ton of basic information there, all curated (thoughtfully catalogued) for those building or designing their own drone system. Better to use a tablet of laptop to fully browse the website. My two "frankenstein" quadcopters have sat under my workbench for many months, ever since buying two Solos and a few upgrade products for field work. One of my Solos was revived after nipping the top of an 80' fir tree and falling through the branches to the ground. Broke two props and jammed the gimbal, but it's been working well since a little repair and cleanup. A rugged machine.
