[vimeo 64937816 w=250 h=141]

With 9" x 4.7" Gemfan carbon-fiber props, the Phantom has plenty of lift and easily accelerates upward while hauling a GoPro HERO 3 camera, 2-axis gimbal, FPV transmitter and antenna,  and chopstick landing gear extensions. I flew around for 8.5 minutes, which is about 1 minute longer than I get when flying with Graupner 8" props.

However, the Phantom is clearly less stable when flying with 9" props. Even when hovering in areas with almost no wind, I see slight oscillations in the airframe as it tries to stabilize itself.

I’m not sure what is going on, but this is also what other Phantom owners often report when they fly using 9" props. I have some Graupner 9" x 5"  coming in, soon, and will also give those a try. I’m pushing the Phantom too hard, I think, by trying to make it lift a camera, gimbal, and FPV setup. I think it may be time to upgrade.