Brief:
The BatRok is a Semroc Retro Repro series kit that is an updated version of the Centuri BatRok kit KB-8 from 1967. The original design was inspired by the original Batman television series and also includes a payload bay.

Construction:
The kit includes:

• 1 body tube
• 1 clear plastic tube
• 1 balsa nose cone
• 1 balsa tube coupler
• 1 set laser cut fins
• 1 thrust ring
• 1 empty casing
• 1 launch lug
• 1 screw eye
• 1 elastic cord
• 1 Kevlar® thread
• 1 plastic parachute
• 1 set tape disks
• 1 shroud line
• 1 decal

Semroc does a remarkable job with the packaging of their kits. I have yet to find a single kit from them that was missing a part or has a part damaged. Also, the instructions are printed on quality paper and they even include a brief history about the rocket you are about to build.

The instructions take you through the build process in a logical order and are so well illustrated, you almost do not have to do any reading. The kit includes 8 laser cut fins, and the balsa is excellent quality. The lower fins looks like bat wings. The upper fins are rotate 90 degrees from the lower fins, so this rocket has an interesting profile when viewed from the top. I was a little concerned about the fin tips which extend below the body tube but so far they have held up quite nicely.

Finishing:
This is a small rocket, so it is very easy to paint. I originally went with all black until I realized the decals were black on clear so I masked off the fins and painted the BT a smoked silver color.

The light color balsa nose cone shoulder and tube coupler were a bit distracting for me after I finished the rocket--this rockets demands to be all dark. It is patterned after a bat after all. I used a black Sharpie marker to color the nose cone shoulder, however, I had already glued the coupler into the payload tube so it was too late to color that--poor planning on my part. So I masked off all but 5/16" of the payload tube instead and gave it a shot of black paint which masked the color of the balsa quite nicely. The waterslide decals are great quality, thick enough so they do not easily tear and very easy to apply.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
First flight was on a A8-5. Since it was a bit windy, I replaced the parachute with a streamer. The rocket really zooms off the pad and got to at least 500 feet. Second flight on a B6-6 was really something. It weathercocked a little but a good boost overall to 900-1000 feet. I have not tried the C6-7 yet because I am afraid I might lose it!

Recovery:
The recovery system held up well through both flights. The streamer was a good choice for the windy day I was launching, both landings were close to the pad. I think a 12" chute on this small rocket would easily let it float way down range!

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is a great looking rocket that is very easy to build and a whole lot of fun to fly. This was one of the favorite rockets of the kids who were at the launch. It is just begging to be upscaled!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5