Lets see,
this gets a bit tech, but its only so we can be happy and fly our helis
Using your hobbywing data of 118000 rpm max
the formula: Maxm headspeed at 100% throttle = Max RPM / (motor poles / 2) / (Gear ratio)
Headspeed @100% throttle for 10 pole motor = 118000 / (10 / 2) / (181 / 18) = 2347
Headspeed @100% throttle for 8 pole motor = 118000 / (8 / 2) / (181 / 18) = 2933
So we're both getting the same answer to the calcs, close enough. I hope thats a good thing
At 100% = 2933 , 80% = 2346 which is also very close to the MrMel calc, again a good comparison.
If the blades have been turning at around 2800 the heli would be very sensitive, I would say aggressive, on the sticks compared to the headspeed you had with the 16T pinion. Unless you also tamed down your FBL settings.
Raises these questions for me:
Did you do throttle endpoints so the esc knows what to expect for throttle signal range from the transmitter?
Is the digital tach reliable/accurate?
Edit: Thanks Mike Lansford, sometimes more heads is better