Abstract: An impeller for a centrifugal blast wheel machine includes a hub provided at one end of the impeller, with the hub being configured to be coupled to the motor. The impeller further includes a tapered section provided at an opposite end of the hub, with the tapered section defining a media inlet to receive blast media. The impeller further includes a plurality of drop-shaped vanes positioned between the hub and the tapered section. The plurality of drop-shaped vanes is spaced from one another on peripheries of the hub and the tapered section. The plurality of drop-shaped vanes defines a plurality of impeller media outlets constructed and arranged to allow egress of blast media upon rotation of the impeller. Each vane is drop-shaped having a leading side directed toward a direction of rotation of the impeller and a trailing side opposite the leading side.