I'm going to go against a blanket recommendation on the 3-bladed prop. I was a partner in a 1963 C-182 that had a brand new 3-bladed hartzell prop due to a strike (and no it wasn't me). We also had a new Texas Millennium Skyways engine (260HP) at the same time. We had the prop balanced from day 1 and several times since then over the years, but we were always unhappy with the increased vibration of the new prop. The added weight on the front end of an already nose-heavy plane is also something to consider, but not a problem with proper technique. I'm now flying a 1972 C-182 with a 2-bladed prop and it is noticeably smoother. The Bonanza I also fly has a 3-bladed prop and is OK, but not quite as smooth. YMMV
- Tim