Warp drive vs IVO?

[Nathaniel]

Read both the web sites, almost seems like an even race. So for those of your flying, what do you think? Acquisition cost, replacement cost, maintainence issues, medium blades I assume?. My application would be KF SS, 100hp Rotax, ground adjustable. Thanks in advance!

[DesertFox4]

I choose the Ivo prop.
The Medium for the 100 hp Rotax will serve you well. The ground adjustable is hands down the easiest prop to adjust. All of 30 seconds to adjust, then go fly to see the results unless you have to remove a spinner first but that applies to any prop.
No protractors needed to set the prop pitch. Maintenance is simple , if you get a chip in it it's an easy fix at the hangar or in the field. Now don't laugh. Crazy glue and baking soda in the chip and a small file and in about 5 minutes your off again. Keep proper torque and nothing but hours of trouble free flying. I highly recommend this prop.
Very smooth to fly behind and you will love the aerodynamic braking of the Medium should you want to come out of the sky at 2000' + per minute without overspeeding your Kitfox . On a recent test flight of a new Kitfox I saw 3000' negative on the VSI and was only at 110 mph indicated. With my "Light" Ivo I would have been over 140 mph (VNE). No way I can come out of the sky with the Light Ivo like the Medium Ivo flyers can.

My second choice would be the Warp Drive.


If you're going to be flying your Kitfox on floats you might need to consider the Warp as it does have a more substantial leading edge protection from water spray errosion but our experienced float flyers can jump in on that subject. Maybe the Ivo works well in that enviornment also but I have limited first hand experience with floats, darn it.

FYI - I have roughly 1300 hours behind Ivo props and most of the local Desert Fox Squadron members have gone to them but we are always on the look out for something new and exciting performance wise.

I'd would be interested in how the new S-LSA Kitfox 3-blade Whirlwind prop performs. It's sure a sweet looking prop.

[Slyfox]

I love my medium on the 912uls. Now if you are doing the ground adjust because of regs, sport pilot. Concider this, put the medium on with inflight adjust, but, put the controls under the cowl with the engine. Can only be adjusted on the ground, thus a ground adjustable, but now you can change things with a touch of a button, on the ground.

[Nathaniel]

Excellent writeup, thanks! Straight ground adjustable is the plan. The idea of the control under the cowl though, good one.

[Slyfox]

I know it cost for the electric option. But if you do a bunch of back country flying and you need that extra take off boost, a quick touch of a button at let say your oil door, sure would be convenient.

[Mark]

We used exactly this method on a 'demonstration' aircraft. We mounted the switch to a bracket on the engine mount where it was accessible at the oil door. You can hit the switch, then peak around the corner to check your MP. It was quick to adjust and worked great.

[Caballo]

Is anyone flying the medium ground adjustable IVO prop on a Kitfox with a 582 engine?

[DesertFox4]

My first impression would be it's too much prop for a 582 but a quick call to Ivo would be in order. If you call, let us know what you find out.

IVOPROP CORP
PMB # 330
15903 Lakewood Blvd.
#103 Bellflower CA 90706
562-602-1451
or
1-800-for prop (1-800-367-7767)

ivoprop@pacbell.net

[av8rps]

I heard that IVO only wants you to use a medium 2 blade on the 582 due to harmonic vibrations with the 3:1 gearbox. In fact a Kitfox that Gary Algate (Not sure if he's on this list or not) used a IVO medium inflight with his 582 and as I recall he loved the set up as he flew floats mostly.

Paul S

[Renard]

I have an IVO prop with the Merle Williams modification for installing the electrical connection to the motor. I am a little intimidated by the sparseness of the instructions. Has anyone used this mod. Any problems getting it to work?
Chuck