Quick Release Prop Guards

[spleenmuncha]

I'm looking for opinions as to whether people would, or wouldn't use the quick release unofficial Prop Guards while flying.

I'm new to this, and having already had a first minor crash (into a wall breaking 2 props as I landed the quadcopter) I was thinking of using the quick release style guards (the official ones seem a lot of hassle screwing on/off each flight). I'm sure the guards would have helped in this instance, but is there also the danger of them coming off mid flight & maybe hitting the props/causing a drop from a much higher altitude?

This type of guard is what I'm referring to:

MyArmor DR90 Quick Release Snap On Propeller Props Protector Guard For DJI Phantom 3: Amazon.co.uk: Toys & Games

Many Thanks.

 

[Matts175]

Those type work just fine. Do not use them in a wind over 10mph though. They turn into sails and really affect the handling and performance.

 

[Jesse_M]

I say avoid them if you can. Just practice flying more and stay away from objects. I also hand catch for landings.

 

[TBuggy]

It is personal preference, I have been using removable guards for 6 months on a P3A. No problems saved me a couple times Near trees, easier to stow unit when done flying. But nothing beats practice and sensible flying , good luck either way.

 

[Reginald Thomas]

I've been using quick release prop guards . They have provided excellent protection during those occasions when I came to close to a building or tree branches in non gps mode. I don't leave home without them.

 

[Skinnflint]

I've got a set on my P3A and use them often. It's good security to have. I'm fairly new to flying a drone (approx 5hrs of flight time) so I'm still using them in unfamiliar area where I fly. Slick to be able to remove them for quick packaging.

 

[SteveAikens]

Those are not the ones I have, but are similar. As a rule, I fly without them on but if I'm flying somewhere that the danger of winding up bumping into something is high [very unlikely] I'll snap mine on.

There MAY be an unstated benefit to having them available. There have been a lot of reports of stress cracks around the screws where they pass through the body at the motor mounts. It's entirely possible the added re-enforcement provided by the snap-on mounts for the prop guards helps prevent those cracks.

FWIW, I've had mine mounted for just short of two years with no issues.

 

[spleenmuncha]

Thanks very much for the input guys. I think I'll try a few flights with them on then.