Since folks are always asking which prop performs best on a GatorTail, I decided to get a few of the available props and put them to the test side by side in the exact conditions at the exact time to see exactly which prop performs best in different conditions.

Props tested were the GT 2 blade, GT 3 blade, and MB Hammer.

For deepwater running, the GT 3 blade was the top performer. I noticed much smoother operation with this prop...less vibration, lower rpms, and better top end were all noticeable compared to the others.

For operating in thick nasty waterless mud, the GT 2 blade was hands down the best. Whether going forward or reversing, the two blade GT prop outperformed the others quite noticeably.

The Hammer prop worked best for reversing in deep water, and in soup like mud. For some reason this prop slipped WAY more than the others. Also, it would blow out in thick mud..which is odd considering its size. I think with some work though it could be much better.

I concur

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Did you run in any vegitation?

Reason I ask is because I'm due for a prop and still can't decide between the 2 and 3 blade from gatortail. Not worried about mud. Just shallow water with hard bottom and grass. I'm not sure if the smoothness of the 3 blade will make up for it clogging when I get in the grass

The three blade really sucks in vegetation. I'd get a 2 blade bud...unless the majority of your running is in deep open water. Then I'd pick up a 3 blade.

Majority of it is. Just patches of grass. Is it bad to clog in forward or just when reversing?

I ran a 3 in grass. It's not that bad. You just have to kick it in reverse to clean the prop more often. However when you do decide to reverse do not be scared of rpms. When it balls up around the prop in reverse just kick it in forward, then reverse hard again. It goes in grass just not quite as good.

Craig I don't mean to hijack your thread but can any of yall think of why I lost 2mph with a brand new 3 blade? I'm running 26-27 with a worn 2 blade and 25 with the 3 blade. Rpm's are the same

Imo if your the average guy that doesn't plan on testing the limits of his rig ever outing then the 3's benefits far out way the low points of it.

Try running one pin up. I find you can run the 3 a little higher.

Yes, that is important!

The 3-blade doesn't run efficient at the same trim angle/height as the 2 blade.

The three like to be trimmed up much higher!

I'm the opposite. I run 30-31 with a 3 and 28-29 with a 2 on the same pin.

Msm I wish I could test it every time I go out but i still haven't found any mud in arkansas. Craig it was the 10 pitch and all I have is a mikuni. Hopefully more to come shortly. I should have changed the pin but the thing I thought was weird was that it was at 25 at 4100 and stayed 25 to almost 4500. Then it blew out. 2nd hole from the top.

I run a 3 blade mostly for the speed and where I fish is mostly veggies the 3 blade does well. I'm getting 35-36 light load. And my 2 blade does better in heavy mudd and reverse. I have 2- 3 blades that are 12p and 13p. The 2 blade is a custom prop and is a 13p.

ive noticed when in thick mud with the hammer its does best at low rpms.

did yall try this on a new style lower unit cuz I have a burnt up 3 blade maybe lookin to go 2 blade

Yes I have the new style lower unit and agree with Craig's review

Actually before I got mine I had never seen a gatortail before. Luckily I got mine because I got on here researching mudbuddy and excel. I think I'm gonna take yalls advice and go with the 3 blade and then send my 2 blade to get rebuilt.

I'm gonna have t to agree with this guy.

Thanks for all the info Craig this has helped some of the trial and error I've been goin through with props


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I agree as well. Rode last weekend with the 3 blade and comparing it to the 2 blade is ridiculous in the mud. What I breezed through with the 2, I struggled a little bit with the 3.

I ran the crap out of my three blade in some of the nastiest vegetation you can find it and worked excellent (no mud here at all). The only thing that clogged it were very heavy reeds (I mean very heavy). Hydrilla, Normal reeds, Hyacinth, lilies etc don't even slow it down. I would not mind trying the two blade to see just how much different it runs.

You won't notice much difference running wide open throttle...the difference is noticed once you stop, reverse etc.


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Great post Craig.

soo I guess ill be ordering a new gt 2 blade and get my 3 blade worked!!!

I'm trying to figure out what are my possible prop choices for a 2013 GTR (stock, machined lower). I usually run about 3700 RPM (seems to be the best combo of speed and low tiller torque--I usually trim down slightly till torque disappears which MIGHT not be the optimal for speed, but I've never optimized for that when trying out trim) in weeds and deep water--no real mud (i.e. never touching bottom for extended periods).

Will the new XD props fit the older GTR lowers? Offhand, it looks like one side has a protruding flange that would expect a recess in the lower?

Do Mud Buddy props fit GTR (e.g. the Big Blade)? I've read that they do, but seem to have some play in them (which to me doesn't sound ideal)?

I was thinking of the Big Blade, but after contacting BPS, he mentioned the Raptor--any GTR experience with these?

Any other options out there?

Thanks

The raptor has not performed well on our gatortails. If you want a good hunting prop, carries a good load, and get good speed, go with the big blade bro

I was not satisfied with the 3 Blade. The 3 Blade just did not take off like it should. I bought a 2 Blade from GTR and was not satisfied with that. It took off but the 2 blade was too slow. I had Baggy work the 2 Blade and I can take off without messing with the Trim at all and the Speed is about the same.

If the big blade is loose, go with the new style two blade from
Gatortail. Just call them up and get baggy to work it for you
After you run it and see how it does

Thanks for the replies, guys. I appreciate any and all input.

It won't cause a single issue. Put a big blade on it and go.

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