Carl C
07-24-2007, 06:05 AM
I've thought of labbing as basically blueprinting and lightening a prop by thinning areas of each blade and polishing all rough edges and checking and truing each blade to make sure there are identical. I have seen it said more than once in magazines, by people who know, that it is better to buy a factory labbed prop than to take one to a prop shop where you really don't know if you'll get your money's worth.
Lately there have been some posts that indicate that labbing is more like customizing a prop to your needs and your boat. Two shops have been recommended: BBlades and Throttle Up. I do not dispute the reputation of either shop as I recognize the names.
So what exactly is "labbing" and is it better to buy a factory labbed prop or find your best prop first and then have it labbed at one of the mentioned shops?
What if you don't have any issues to resolve and simply want a prop that is as perfect and efficient as possible? How many rpms will you pick up after labbing if no significant changes are made to the pitch or design?
Lately there have been some posts that indicate that labbing is more like customizing a prop to your needs and your boat. Two shops have been recommended: BBlades and Throttle Up. I do not dispute the reputation of either shop as I recognize the names.
So what exactly is "labbing" and is it better to buy a factory labbed prop or find your best prop first and then have it labbed at one of the mentioned shops?
What if you don't have any issues to resolve and simply want a prop that is as perfect and efficient as possible? How many rpms will you pick up after labbing if no significant changes are made to the pitch or design?