Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I would like to peoples thoughts and opinions.  Regarding the number of blades on an impeller.  Saying that it is a 14" diameter impeller. Lets go with 4 blades versus 6 blades.
And all other variables stay consistent engine size, impeller rpm, snow depth, weight, travel speed etc.  Would you need a higher rpm for the 4 blade to keep up with the 6 blade?  In one revolution
The six blade would have had to more opportunities to actually exist snow from the housing, No,Yes, maybe?  What do you think.

Personally, I think there is a saturation point where more blades would be less effective.  Six is probably the max.   Not having experience with more than four blades, it's difficult to have an opinion on effectiveness of six vs. four.   I'd guess that certain conditions such as slushy snow would weigh in favour of more blades whereas normal snow might not be as noticeable.   One place where more blades would be advantageous is in stiffening the the impeller back plate.  

My preference would be a close clearance heavy duty impeller vs. more blades.