Isn't a prop balanced from the factory? If I haven't damaged my prop, does it really need balanced?
What are the benefits of a balanced prop?
I understand that a prop that is out of balance enough is going to create vibration and will not be able to spin as fast or perform as intended.
This begs the question, what is dangerously out of balance?
Balance is dependent on how many rpms it's going to be running. The faster it spins the more precise it needs to be. As far as vibration if you have enough abnormal vibration you'll develop premature bearing wear on the gear housing
Most things mass produced are made to tolerances that are usually sloppier (?) than what someone who is doing it one at a time would do. I can see the balance of a factory prop actually being near out of balance and still being considered OK, thus causing bearing and shaft problems down the road, usually after the warranty has run out.
Kind of like when setting up a reel, factories usually squirt grease in while the reel doctor just smears.
Major out of balance issue would be a bent blade this can cause serious vibrations and l/u failure down the road , out of box props can be out of balance but most of the time you will never notice it or have any issues with l/u any normally not out alot...
HOLESHOT, on a prop I'm not seeing balance issues with, assuming it's close and with in exceptable tolerance, does getting a perfect balance improve performance in a noticeable way?
No not just from a balance check but getting the blades worked on at the same time yes.. :)