Is the color of the prop really critical? With all of the splash and turbulence, can it really be seen that well to make a difference? It's not meant (as far as I now) to have the same purpose as a spinnerbait blade, thump and flash but, to make a commotion on the surface. Opinions?

In my opinion - yes

The props still have a flash. The bass can still see it. Last year I was using a white with gold blade and not catching a thing. I switched to a white with silver blade and started catching fish. One that day it made a difference.

What Fluke said..

I have had good success with a white/white blade when it is cloudy and didn't see the same results using a flashy silver blade.

Black/black blade is my go to for the nasty tanic water I fish around here.Then it isn't about flash it is about silouette.

I don't think that blade color will truly make or break you but it sure helps when you experiement sometimes.

It may not be the most critical aspect of a buzzbait, but I do agree, color does factor into its presentation. In clearer water the silver/lighter blades might present a more subtle bait (If you can call a buzzer subtle). Darker blades are more of a target. As B_F said, the bass see a bigger silhouette from below.

In my neighborhood lake, I can't even buy a bite with any colors besides black on black. It is pretty much always stained water, so that may be why.