Brake or No Brake?

[r/c basher]

So while programming my esc for my Extra 300 I set one of the settings so the prop will brake instead of freewheel. I bench tested it today and when I throttle down the prop stops immediately, on my t28 and super cub I have the brake off so the prop freewheels. I cant decide what would be best on the Extra, if I should have the esc programmed to brake the prop or let it freewheel.

I was wondering what do you guys use on your planks?

[akent]

The brake is only used for folding props. The sudden stoppage causes them to fold easier.

For normal planks, you want the prop to freewheel.
Kent

[Dave]

Well there you have it r/c.
Not being a plankster that would have been my suggestion also

Dave

[r/c basher]

Alright thanks guys. Tomorrow I should have the Extra ready for its maiden.

[19000rpm]

I've always left the brake off.

There's another school of thought that says the freewheeling prop acts like a brake slowing the aircraft. With the ESC set to "brake" the prop is stopped and there is less "braking". Maybe you can try both settings and tell us what you think.

[r/c basher]

Jun 23, 2011 7:21:57 GMT -6 19000rpm said:

I've always left the brake off.

There's another school of thought that says the freewheeling prop acts like a brake slowing the aircraft. With the ESC set to "brake" the prop is stopped and there is less "braking". Maybe you can try both settings and tell us what you think.

In my research thats what I found that a freewheeling prop slows the aircraft down more then with the prop stopped, whether this is true or not I dont know, it does make sense though if you think about it.

The reason why I asked in the first place was because with the brake on it just didnt seem right while testing it on the bench. I think the brake would provide unnecessary stress on the motor.