Brief:
This is a comparison review of Aerotech’s new G79W, including the new 29/120 RMS case.

Construction:

Although this product was introduced at LDRS 23 in July 2004, my casing (S/N 037) has a manufacturing date of 1/8/02. This product was obviously in the works for a while. The case is new and is not interchangeable with the 29/40-120, but the closures are the same as those used with the 29mm high power cases.

The reload kit is a typical AT reload so I won't go into the details--liners, insulators, O-rings, two slugs, etc. Here is a comparison between the G79 and the G80:

The main trade-offs include:

• You have to build the motor instead of just slapping the single use G80 in.
• Loaded motor is slightly heavier and just a hair less oomph than the G80.
• Longer than the G80, which is a problem if you used a (evil) motor block.
• The longer delays may or may not be beneficial to you. I'd rather have a -4 than a -14. (I overbuild, what can I say?)
• Much better igniter with the reload. I'll be dipping fewer igniters than before.
• The reloads are much cheaper. I hear the G80s are headed up in price again.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
I have flown this twice...and I like it. Lots of white smoke like my beloved G80FWLs. I do have two observations:

1. The delay components all fit together easily, whereas on the 38mm RMS it takes some effort (very little, but some) to get it together. A good example is the delay spacer--this one fell right in. On the 38mm RMS I have to work them in.
2. The threads of the forward closure were the dirtiest I've ever seen in an RMS (post flight, of course). Also, there was lots of gunk between the liner and the case on the forward end. The aft end was not unusually dirty.

I will monitor The Rocketry Forum to see what other people’s experiences are.

Flight Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Summary:
I am ecstatic about this product release. I love G80s and the G79 is a lot cheaper. (Not as cheap as $10 G80-FWLs from Magnum, but those days are gone for good.) In more good news, AT has promised Redline loads soon. (I though I saw Blue Thunder reloads too, but cannot find the reference.)

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5