Prop guards

[buzzard4]

How much difference does flying with the prop guards in place make to the time flying and stability?

 

[Koala Tails]

Prop guards don’t make any difference to a spark’s stability, the small amount of extra weight would shorten the flight time. I can’t tell how much shorter, when I use the guards its because I am concerned about the proximity of hazards such as trees. Flying gently near trees with prop guards uses less power than throwing a spark about in an open field without prop guards.

 

[buzzard4]

The reason I asked is because I have a set of sprung legs for my spark and they certainly affect it in strong wind. The stability with no accessories is outstanding.

 

[buzzard4]

I should add I'm only concerned over long distance, out of sight. Don't know how RTH works in an unstable situation. Again, as a stand alone drone the spark is brilliant.

 

[Koala Tails]

I can’t help, sorry. Never flown in that situation. You may need to experiment with prop guards in high wind yourself. I don’t know any pilots that fly a spark, out of sight, in strong winds, with prop guards attached. You could be the trailblazer, so let everyone know what you find out.

 

[SparkPete]

You will loose 1-2 min. flight time.
Max. speed will be a bit lower and Spark is more vulnerable to high winds, though I havn’t done any real testing on that. Please post your findings if you do some tests.

My main reason against using prop guards regularly is their storing size and as a result the hassle of permanently attaching/detaching them, which counteracts the small footprint and quick launching capabilities of the Spark. Though they propably had prevented a crash, when I flew into a tree recently.