GUEST's OPINION:
11/10 - "I am going to build this kit as my next build project. I had a buddy who built it and he saved the instructions so I picked up the parts and decided to get at it. The only changes I am making is I am going to add a baffle system and 4x18mm canted cluster for the power. I did some simulations on RockSim and it will hit 880 feet and deploy under 3 mph. Perfect setup if you ask me. I do have the 32" plastic chute, but I will probably go with a Dynastar 24" nylon. It should drop it down nicely." (D.Y.)

GUEST's OPINION:
03/07 - "Although this is a well designed, nice looking kit with good instructions, my kit had very poor wood selection and the worst die cutting I've ever seen. Wood parts were crushed in the die cutting process, some fin parts had lost tips and points and had to be re-cut. The root edges often had been undermined by the die cutting, requiring large amounts of filler to restore them. The wood was of inconsistent quality and often fin edges disintegrated while trying to hold an edge while shaping. In an age of laser cut cuts this is unacceptable. One of the cardboard body tubes was severely crimped in two places...I had to study the plans carefully and plan ahead to get the crimp placed in an area that would be cut away when the air scoop is fabricated. One crimp is still visible. Given the price of this kit, I think we deserve better. Before you take delivery on the kit, study the parts and wood and then decide if you want to invest time and wood filler and/or re-cutting fins from quality stock before you build." (J.S.)

GUEST's OPINION:
08/06 - "This is yet another great kit by Dynastar / Apogee Components. The kit arrived immaculate the instructions were prefect. I don’t think I’ve owned a rocket folks enjoy holding and discussing just as much as seeing it fly. I have only two concerns: the stock chute is too big constituting a zipper hazard and no spacer ring is provided for D size engines." (G.H.)

GUEST's OPINION:
06/06 - "I also thought this was a fun rocket to build. First move away from 3FNC for me. I think this would be a good kit for anyone who is looking for a first more complex build, mostly because the instructions are so complete it's like having someone look over your shoulder! The only real tough part is the air scoop and as long as the directions are followed and the builder works slowly it will turn out fine. The only change I made was to add a Fliskit baffle and the Dynastar 36"nylon parachute (way overkill, it's a real light rocket and almost free falls at a safe speed). Lots of nice stickers to spruce up the look. Some might not like the stickers, but sticker or decal has never been a real issue with me, both work. Really want to send it some on bigger motors!" (H.A.D.)

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
11/08 - "While pondering the daunting task of cutting the scoop tube and not crushing it in the process, it occurred to me that to make this step foolproof there was a very simple solution. After marking the necessary lines on the tube I scoured the workshop for a can that was just a hair smaller in diameter than the tube itself. I ended up finding an aerosol spray can that slid snugly into the tube. I carefully gave it a scoring cut followed by a final penetrating cut with the can inside the tube to keep it rigid. I barely needed to sand any of the cut areas to bring them to a perfectly smooth contour/edge. Hope this helps!" (D.O. )

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
10/08 - "13/10/08 To prevent zippering of the body tube I wrapped masking tape on to the shock cord at the b.t. end in a triangular shape. With the point of the triangle facing the engine mount it doesn't snag the parachute. I also added a baffle system by sunward that prevented total destruction when the motor ejected on the third flight, the b.t. was torn for the top 5" and the top baffle was destroyed. I replaced the damaged piece of b.t. and it flies again with a thin mil 18" nylon chute. Six flights so far and many more to come! TED" (E.R. )

SPECIFIC ROCKET TIP:
04/07 - "Well, I thought I should be fair and report on the finished kit and first flight. This kit has very nice jigs so just about anyone can build a scale looking rocket and get the unusual air duct and fin alignments correct with very little effort. The decals really make for a great finish too. I chose to put in a 24" nylon chute w/Nomex® pad. I flew it on a D12-5 yesterday and it was a straight (no weather cocking) flight with no spin - all the way to apogee, with a clean deployment right after. GREAT FLIGHT! Aside from the wood comment I made, this kit is a winner. " (J.S. )