Blade balancer

[Greywolf74]

Do I really need a blade balancer for my 450 heli or is that just one of those nice to have but not necessary kind of tools?

 

[Mn Monster]

i'm told they are worth the investment.....that said, i don't own one for my 300 size heli's, but i have thought about getting one!

 

[HPIguy]

Blades do need to be balanced actually. Think of it this way (and I'm way over exaggerating here) take a stick and put a 1lb weight on one end, and a 3/4lb weight on the other and a pivot dead middle and spin it in your hands while holding the center pivot and see how it feels.

I use both a digital scale to weigh my blades first, then a balancer to static balance them afterward. On some of the micro helis (yes even the micros!) head speeds exceed 5,000RPM, and tail rotor speeds can exceed 15,000RPM; balance becomes crucial for good flight characteristics, or even being able to be flown at all vs. merely self destructing.

 

[Rolex]

I use it after weighing them and doing the dynamic balancing. Wouldn't be without it.

 

[ChasCS]

Do I really need a blade balancer for my 450 heli or is that just one of those nice to have but not necessary kind of tools?

Hi Greywolf,
A good quality blade balancer is something I think of as another valuable resource tool and should be in every helicopter pilots repair/tuning tool kit. They are very inexpensive, come on!! As well as an invaluable digital or adjustable pitch guage. Wouldn't be without one of those either.

Chas

 

[Rolex]

Carbon fiber and alloy with ball bearings.

This is the one I have. You can find it on ebay for $10 with free shipping.