Wooden Propellers | Hobbyist drones, UAVs in moderate use | Material: Wooden (e.g., birch) Weight: 28g (ISO 3801) Noise: 43 dBA (quieter than a fridge) Durability: Withstands 30 impacts (ASTM D3763) | Cost-effective ($15/unit), flexible, quieter operation, balanced performance | Prone to warping in humidity, heavier than carbon fiber, limited high-stress tolerance |
Carbon Fiber Propellers | High-performance drones, racing, heavy-lift UAVs | Material: Carbon fiber Weight: 18g (▲10g lighter than wood) Noise: 48 dBA (▲slightly louder) Durability: Withstands 50+ impacts (ASTM D3039) | Lightweight, weather-resistant, ultra-durable, high RPM tolerance | Expensive ($40/unit), brittle upon collision, requires careful handling |
Plastic Propellers | Budget drones, casual/educational use | Material: Nylon/polycarbonate Weight: 22g Noise: 50 dBA (▲louder than wood) Durability: Withstands 10 impacts (ASTM D3763) | Affordable ($8/unit), easy to replace, resistant to warping | Brittle under stress, heavier than carbon fiber, limited lifespan |
Metal Propellers | Industrial drones, specialized tasks | Material: Aluminum alloy Weight: 32g (▲4g heavier than wood) Noise: 55 dBA (▲louder) Durability: Withstands 70 impacts (ASTM B557) | Extremely durable, chemical-resistant, rigid structure | Heavy, noisy, expensive ($60/unit), prone to damage on collision |
Foldable Propellers | Travel drones, compact UAVs | Material: Carbon fiber composite Foldability: 30% smaller folded (ISO 527) Weight: 20g (▲8g lighter than wood) Noise: 46 dBA | Portable, convenient storage, maintains performance when unfolded | Slightly reduced durability at hinges, hinges may weaken over time |
High-Performance Propellers | Drone racing, acrobatic drones | Material: Reinforced carbon fiber Weight: 15g (▲13g lighter than wood) RPM Tolerance: 15,000 RPM (ASTM F406) Noise: 52 dBA | Ultra-lightweight, agile, high-speed capability | Fragile, costly ($50/unit), unsuitable for heavy payloads |