I'm looking for a rocket to build for my L2 cert. Any favorites or recommendations would be appreciated.
There are a gah-zillion kits out there. Gonna need more data than that to make a recommendation. Like, budget, altitude, dual deploy or not, etc....I'm looking for a rocket to build for my L2 cert. Any favorites or recommendations would be appreciated.
TYI recently certified on a LOC Warlock flying on an AT J275. The beauty of that combination is it stayed in sight the entire flight and stayed on the field. A few months prior, I attempted L2 on a PML Tethys (4 inch dia.) flying on an AT J275 and it went out of sight and was never recovered. If you fly a 4 inch rocket for L2, I recommend a Jolly Logic Chute Release. One of these would have saved me a rocket and a reloadable motor.
Thank youThere are a gah-zillion kits out there. Gonna need more data than that to make a recommendation. Like, budget, altitude, dual deploy or not, etc....
Beautiful Rocket!My recommendation would be any 4" or larger diameter rocket with 3 or 4 fins that do not extend below the aft end of the booster tube. That way you take less of a risk of breaking a fin during landing. Build it big, heavy and simple for your certification flight. After that, go crazy I did my Lvl 2 certification back in 2000 on a 6" diameter 9' tall RDS Northstar. It was set up for dual deploy, but for my certification flight I just did a simple apogee deployment with a Missileworks altimeter since it wasn't going to go very high on a J350. Then my next flight was on a K550 with dual deploy.View attachment 633916
Nice, TY!LOC I-Roc 5.5" rocket and use Jolly Logic Chute Release with motor deploy for two stage deploy.
Agreed!I took the "keep it low and slow" advice--LOC MegaMagg--and used motor eject plus several construction tips from John Coker: https://www.jcrocket.com/
I also somewhat oversized the chute, figuring better a longer walk than breaking something on dry lake bed. Also made a nice basis for adding an ebay and an Eggfinder in the RNWS, plus the MMAS let me spend more money on L motors...
I think that should be a huge consideration, the flying conditions at your field! Unless this rocket is going to be a cert flight only rocket, consider the motors you'll want to fly in the future and how those will do at your field.Something that you will be happy and comfortable flying on L2 motors often at YOUR field.
That said, 54mm motormount and 4 inch diameter with fins that make you happy.
Not at all, after seeing yours and a few other replies, I decided to keep it simple. 4" tube, 38mm motor, 36" chute and a chute release. Probably the Mad Cow 4" Patriot. Just wanted to say thank you for your reply. I've only read through the Level 2 requirements once. I don't recall, is there a minimum altitude required?you’re…welcome?
Am I missing something?
Not at all, after seeing yours and a few other replies, I decided to keep it simple. 4" tube, 38mm motor, 36" chute and a chute release. Probably the Mad Cow 4" Patriot. Just wanted to say thank you for your reply. I've only read through the Level 2 requirements once. I don't recall, is there a minimum altitude required?
Thats what I wanted to hear!No, just a safe landing
Pick something you like thelooks of. Build it. Fly it. Love it.I'm looking for a rocket to build for my L2 cert. Any favorites or recommendations would be appreciated.
Design your own.I'm looking for a rocket to build for my L2 cert. Any favorites or recommendations would be appreciated.
I wholeheartedly concur with the recommendation to design your own. Take full advantage of all the recommendations and wisdom offered above, then do a kit bash of a 4 inch air frame and make it your own. The feeling of accomplishment, when you succeeded will be even more impactful when you fly your own design. I did my level one and level two same day, 30 minutes apart on an I and then a J flying a 4 inch upscale of my original Top Secret that I designed when I was 12 years old (DOM winner published in the July 1973 Estes MRN).Design your own.
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