everthing is a trade. More speed = less hole shot. Try calling the boys at OJ props, they'll talk to you and if they can't firgure this out for you no one can. PS you were right to walk away from a mechanic that thinks less pitch = more speed. More blades won't do it for you either so don't get sucked into that one either. If pitch won't get you there they might have something in the blade or cup design that would work for you