Well guys, i know it varies for everyone depending on their rig, but i bought a Big Blade to do a little testing on mine. I was running a factory gatortail 3 blade 11p on a 1750 Deadfowl with a 37EFI. Due to the 11p i was having to run on the very top pin. I was running 28-29 at 4100-4200 rpms. that is empty, which include Trolling Motor, Battery, and 7gal of gas up front. With me(195) and battery and pup(35lbs) in the back. When i have a 3 man hunting load, i usually only run about 23-24 at 38-3900rpms. I received my big blade yesterday so i took it out for a spin today. Some people are losing speed with the bb, some are gaining speed with the bb. With the same empty load as stated above, I had to move down to the second trim hole (factory position) and i ran roughly the same exact speed give or take 1/2mph. but i was able to turn easily all the way up to the limiter if i wanted, but she ran best about 4350-4450rpms.

Verdict: Not much change speed wise, but big increase in rpms. But i think once hunting season rolls back around, i will be very pleased with the BB when it comes to a hunting load. The hole shot was much greater on the BB too. it would almost throw you out. Also, reverse...wow. Night and Day difference. The three blade i had to bury and give it almost half throttle before i started moving much. The BB, i barely had to even trim it down, and only tapped on the throttle and i was moving a substantial amount. So all in all, for me, i think it will be money well spent. BB for hunting and frog trips where i will be loaded down, 3 blade for light summer riding and fishing trips.

Hope this helps others out when it comes to selecting props.

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I saw the same increase in RPM's making this change but I lost speed light and gained less than 1 mph with a load. Interesting that your hole shot is better. That was the one thing that aggravated me about the BB because it would spin like hell but not get enough bite to move the damn boat. Crazy how different the results are from one rig to another. Glad it worked out for you.

I expected to gain a little speed (more like hoping), but i guess running same speed isn't bad. Especially since i gained rpms. But as far as hole shot, I'm not going to say that it was the best i have had out of any rig, but it was definitely way better than the three blade. But i agree, it is pretty crazy how it can differ from each.

I'm still running the 3 blade on my rig, 18x52 custom built Martinez, and I have the same issue in backing up with it also. Empty, me (235) 12 gal of gas, battery and trolling motor up front, I run 30.6. 28.7-29.4 with my wife with me, and I'll plea the fifth on her weight. I run mine around 3600-3700, that's where it's the easiest handling, if I go higher, I have to lean into the handle due to the torque.
I'd like to get a spare/second prop, but can't decide what to go with. From the sounds of your results, I would go with the BB just for the benefit of backing while frogging.

I don't think i listed it above, but i always ran my 3 blade at 4000-4100 empty at only about 29-30 on a good day. and the tiller torque is pretty high. the big blade seamed to cut down on the torque quite a bit. And yes, thats what I'm looking forward to is the reverse during frog season and duck season!