Courtesy www.Paratoys.com & SkyBiker Aviation
Thrust tests are one data point for comparing the thrust of motors. On two different days you’ll get different results, probably up to 10%. Plus, some manufacturers may use different props than the machines are sold with (i.e. using bigger props with smaller cage clearances for the thrust test).
But this is a good starting point to compare claims. Thrust is the ultimate test for paramotor pilots whereas horsepower is what engine makers live by. A high horsepower motor mated to the wrong prop/redrive will may still be a low power machine.
Thanks to Mike Robinson of Paratoys for providing the thrust test equipment and Wayne Mitchler for recording and providing the data. Testing was performed at the Salton Sea, CA at an elevation of -50 feet, near 30.00 inches of barometric pressure, and 65 degrees F.
Engine & Displacement |
Prop |
Thrust (pounds) |
| MZ34 313 Rotron 294 |
GSC wood 52″ 3 blade 48″ |
212 |
| Talon 175 Flattop 200 “Super” |
GSC wood 49″ CF 3 blade 51″ |
179 |
| BD172 (Alex Varv’s) Fly Products 130 |
Helix 49″ Wood 51″ |
166 |
| Blackhawk 185 (Christian’s Water Cooled) Moster |
Wood 48″ Wood 49″ |
160 153 |
| Paratour Ultra 130 Polini 110 |
Wood 49″ |
132 125 |
| HE 120 Top 80 |
Wood GSC 49″ |
125 110 |
| HE 80 Top 80 |
Wood 49″ Wood 49″ |
106 105 |
Engine Prop Thrust (in pounds)
GSC wood 52″ 212
Rotron 294 3 blade 48″ 210
Talon 175 GSC wood 49″ 179
Flat top 200 Super 3 blade CF 51″ 172
BD172 Alex 49″ Helix 166
Fly Products 130 Wood 51″ 163
Christian’s BH 185 Wood 48″ 160
Moster Wood 49″ 153
Paratour Ultra 130 Wood 49″ 132
Polini 110 Wood 49″ 125
HE 120 Wood GSC 49″ 125
Top 80 Helix CF 49″ 110
HE 80 Wood 49″ 106
Top 80 Wood 49″ 105