Check out the Aero Composites prop. I saw one at my local prop shop (New
England Propeller) in CT this year before Sun 'n Fun.  The shop owner was
very impressed which for me was impressive in itself.

I've seen the list of the credentials of the guys at Aero Composites,
extremely impressive. Most of the guys were former employees of Hamilton
Standard.

I've seen various reports of rather fantastic increases in cruise speed,
which I frankly doubt but cannot completely discount. I also spoke with
Grant Bailey at Lancair who said the climb performance on their Legacy was
dramatically improved when he flew it, but that was a comparison between the
two bladed Hartzell and the three bladed Aero Composite prop.

The two key things that make this prop are the one piece McCauley hub design
and of course the carbon blades.

The only issue I can see is that of prop-engine-airframe compatibility. It's
my understanding that Lancair spent considerable time with Hartzell refining
a blade design that was acceptable. I have no idea whether or not those
issues are present with the Aero Composites prop or not, but I would
certainly ask.

You can bet the Aero Composite prop will be my first choice when I get to
the point of needing a prop.

Ted Stanley - IV