Quote:
> I am a classic BAR. I was into model rocketry when I was younger (12
> years old) and after a 15 year absence I have rediscovered the joy of
> model rocketry. Since coming back into the hobby I have bought 7 Estes
> kits and have flown them countless times with success. Recently, I
> attended both the 'Midwest Regional Fun Fly' (June 96) and 'Eat Cheese
> or Fly 96' (July 96) both of which were sponsored by NIRA (NAR 117). I
> was facinated to see the variety of model rockets available.
> I have done some research into some of the larger rockets (E - G motor
> classification) and was impressed by the selection. However, there in
> lies my problem, is one manufacturer (LOC/Precision, Vaughn Brothers,
> Aerotech, PML, etc.) better than the other? Is one particular rocket
> better than another? I would like to keep the rocket under the 16 ounce
> limitation and am interested in spending about $50. I know you can get
> a number of rockets in that price range, but I don't know which one.
> Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Steve SmithMy vote on an economical yet good performer would be one of the
Vaughn Brothers VB Extreme's. I have flown the VB Extreme on
C and D power thus far and it was impressive at the D level.
Can handle through G. Also, I am just finishing up a
LOC 'LIL Nuke. If it flys as well as it builds, it too
will be a winner...
Pricing, The VB Extreme 24 is somewhere around $25 and the
Lil Nuke is around $22.
Someone else mentioned the Initiator, I have built but not
yet flown the Initiator. Very! easy build but painting the
nosecone was a bit of a challenge. The Initiator itself
certainly fits within your price range (somewhere in the
mid thirtys) However... If you are looking for a good "kit"
to get you started with flying larger model rockets, the
Initiator Starter Kit with Model, Pad, Lauch Controller and
a couple of engines is a fairly good deal at around $100.
BTW, you may ask why I have not yet flown the VB Extreme
with anything larger than a D. I live in So. Cal and have
not had the opportunity to get out to Lucerne to fly with
E thru G power. I normally fly in Orange County (Mile Square
Park) with a D limit!
Good luck and welcome back!