2022 Freestyle FPV Prop Roundup | Back to back test | Gemfan Sbang/Vannystyle - HQ J37 - Axis 4943.5

Just as I did in 2021 with the HQ P3 and Gemfan F3S/F4S, I took this season's new offerings out for a spin to see how they compared.

With the gain in popularity of sbang style setups with high KV motors, manufacturers seem to be trending towards 4.9" props for the 5" freestyle market, moving away from the 5.1" we've become used to.

After a quick "control" flight with my usual Gemfan F3S I swapped in the Gemfan Sbang 4934 and VannyStyle 5136, the HQ Juicy J37 4937 and the Axisflying BlackBird 4943.5.

Some comments after reviewing the footage:
• the VannyStyle are surprisingly smooth but not as responsive. They have a hint of the Azure JohnnyFPV 4.9" props from a few years ago. I can see why they might fit his style.

• the Sbang were a bit disappointing for me, they lacked some kick. By today's standards though I've got pretty low KV, a feeble 1750. When I first switched to 6S I had 1880KV and felt it was too sharp on the throttle, but these props would play very nicely into that type of setup and should be considered.

• the J37 were very, very good. I'll be flying them over the next few days to get a better feel for them, they're good enough to consider replacing the F3S. Throttle feel is right where I like it and they're very responsive yet silky smooth

• the Axis BlackBird are also quite a surprise. A bit more kick than I'd prefer but I can absolutely see why CarpathFPV likes them so much. There's something about the way they change direction that is satisfying and sort of urges you to fly harder.

— Build —
Frame: ImpulseRC Apex 5"
FC: FETtec F7 KISS FC
ESC: FETtec 45A 4in1 ESC
Motors: Ethix Stout V3 Legacy 2306 1750kv
Cam: Foxeer Falkor 2 Mini
OSD: Apex OSD
Power: ImpulseRC Apex regulator
VTx: TBS Unify Pro 5G8 v3
Antenna: TBS Triumph Pro
Receiver: TBS Crossfire Nano RX
LiPo: GNB 1000mAh 6S 120C

— HD Video gear —
GoPro HERO5 Session
Camera Butter Black Diamond ND filters

— OTG —
Radio: RadioMaster TX16S w/ Crossfire Micro TX
Goggles: Fatshark HDO2 w/ TrueRC X-Air Mk.II & VAS MadMushroom V2

— Chapters —
0:00 Intro
2:19 Gemfan F3S flight
4:21 Gemfan Vannystyle 5136
4:57 Gemfan Vannystyle flight
7:09 Gemfan Sbang 4934
7:39 Gemfan Sbang flight
9:57 HQ Juicy J37 4937
10:50 HQ Juicy J37 flight
13:30 Axisflying BlackBird 4943.5
14:36 Axisflying BlackBird flight
16:59 Conclusion (well, not quite...)