Picture courtesy of Brad Kelley     

Brief:
This is a review for a model that isn't out yet but will be soon. The Nitro is meant to be a first time cluster for rocketeers looking to start with cluster rockets. It is a sleek rocket and has a classic look.

Construction:
Components are top notch. My nose cone came pre-assembled with paint and weight since there was a shortage so he gave me the one he had from a Beta kit. The motor mount was still in it's Sunward package. It came with an elastic shockcord and choice of: Kevlar® thread (which he said others thought was too thin), or a steel leader. I chose the steel wire with the pre-attached swivel. Also included was a 12in Hartle Engineering 'chute pack. Got love that.

This build flew by and was relatively quick. The fins you cut yourself and the basswood sent for this was easy to cut. Just takes a little bit more work than balsa. After the motor mount you have to attach the recovery anchor. Since I choose steel, I just had to use tape and then put it through a notch in the upper CR. After inserting the motor mount and fins, you are supposed to add some nose weight. Mine was already used so the nose weight was already in. Finally the Hartle 'chute. These things are so easy to make and are the best plastic chutes you will ever use. They even had a swivel thrown in there.

Finishing:
Finishing is the same as every other 3 fin and nose cone. There is no image or decals so finishing is left completely up to you. I tried to match the nose I was given but my painting skills right now are average at best.

Construction Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Flight:
I have only flow this thing once and I love it. Both motors were C6-5's. The first day of NSL is when I was finally able to fly it. It zipped off quickly and easily got 1,000 feet. For a relatively small rocket it is pretty loud.

Recovery:
Recovery was beautiful. The green chute made it easy to spot in the sky and on the dead brown corn field. It came a little fast but that is what the basswood fins are for I guess. All in all a perfect flight.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is great kit and I absolutely love it. This was my second time with clusters and it has permanently got me hooked. Since the paint job is so bad though (my fault) I will try to fix that. Hope to get it repainted soon.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Manufacturer's Note: This is a Rev-1 kit and future kits will feature a Balsa Nose cone and an upgraded motor mount.