First Quest kit - not impressed

[Derek]

I'm almost done putting together my first Quest kit, the Courier egg lofter. My initial impression is not positive.

Here are some of the issues I've noticed:

1. Motor mount tube was squashed almost flat. It also seems to be a little thinner than what Estes provides.

2. Body tube slightly squished. Not a big deal.

3. Motor clip snapped. The motor clip (retainer) was bowed up. The instructions tell you to bend the retainer down so that there is some pressure keeping it in contact with the motor mount tube and motor. In the process of gently bending it the other way, it snapped. Annoying, but I can live with using masking tape to retain the motor.

4. The centering rings are junk. They are basically just thick paper. Getting them to stay square to the motor mount was extermely frustrating. It took a couple of tries to get the motor mount installed correctly. Estes really wide cardboard rings are much better.

5. The kevlar shock cord is nice, but is way too short. It barely extends past the body tube. I'll have to extend this by a foot or two. It also seems like it will readily zipper the tube.

6. We snapped a balsa fin and the launch lug standoff while removing it from the sheet. That was our fault, but the quality of the balsa is poor. There are a few large missing chunks that will need to be filled.

7. Parachute requires assembly. You need put little stickers on the corners and tie the strings on. Really? Estes doesn't seem to have a problem providing pre-assembled chutes.

8. An egg fits in the nose cone really tightly. Technically it meets the minimum diameter needed to fit an egg in there, but there isn't enough room for bubble wrap or even a thin sandwich bag. This could prove to be the biggest problem.

All in all, I'm not too sure I'd buy another Quest kit based on these issues.

Thanks for putting up with my rant!

edit: remove comment about kevlar that is too short. kit is designed that way.

 

[chrism]

The Courier is one of the earlier kits, I have not built that one but have built some Quest kits from the same era, your assessment is quite correct in the quality of the parts they use. The centering rings are flimsy and warped, the body tube has deep spirals and the motor tube is thin. I have built a more recent kit, the Quest America and that particular kit I noticed has much better components. So don't judge Quest based on an earlier kit. Try building one of their newer ones.

 

[Derek]

This was a brand new kit I purchased last week. Are you saying they specifically use different components on older designs than new ones? I understand that the body tube and nose cone are unique, but that doesn't explain the bent motor clip that snapped or the flimsy motor tube. The balsa fins were laser cut, so that implies to me that there was some updating that took place.

 

[rcktnut]

This was a brand new kit I purchased last week. Are you saying they specifically use different components on older designs than new ones? I understand that the body tube and nose cone are unique, but that doesn't explain the bent motor clip that snapped or the flimsy motor tube. The balsa fins were laser cut, so that implies to me that there was some updating that took place.

It is brand new but is a model that has been out for years, may have been sitting on the shelf a long time. I bought a Quest kit many years ago, first and last. I don't have any idea how the kits are now, but did not like the one I bought years ago.

 

[foamy]

I built a Quest Terrier-Orion. Centering rings were crap and not centered—at all. Balsa was so-so at best—the roughest looking I'd ever gotten. Tubes were, again, so-so. The decals didn't wrap all the way around the model and they are supposed to. I don't know why but the 'chute ripped in half after it's second flight—like it'd been cut with a knife. All the deficiencies were worked around (except the un-centered centering rings). I hope their other offerings are better than that. Might be a long time before I find out, though. Semroc has spoiled me.

 

[Derek]

It is brand new but is a model that has been out for years, may have been sitting on the shelf a long time. I bought a Quest kit many years ago, first and last. I don't have any idea how the kits are now, but did not like the one I bought years ago.

I don't think that was the case. the online vendor I bought it from was out of stock and had to order one from quest.

 

[AfterBurners]

For the reasons listed is why I never buy from QUEST.

 

[Derek]

For the reasons listed is why I never buy from QUEST.

yeah, after hearing from others with the same issues, I'm going to agree with you.

 

[dave carver]

I have never had a problem with a Quest rocket...except the HL-20. Don't know if anyone ever got a good flight out of one

 

[AfterBurners]

I have never had a problem with a Quest rocket...except the HL-20. Don't know if anyone ever got a good flight out of one

I don't think QUEST has issues with the way their rockets fly, it's quality or lack of the materials that they use in their kits. I understand that a profit margin has to be met for a business to stay in business, but if you can buy a comparable kit from lets say ESTES for the same amount with better materials than that would be my choice.

 

[SacEsq]

Big Dog is a nice kit from Quest. Same with Quad Runner
..try another kit before passing judgment. YMMV

 

[RadManCF]

Regarding the Kevlar shock cord, in all the Quest kits I've built, the Kevlar is only half of the shock cord. They supply a length of elastic as well.

 

[Fishhead]

I've built several Quest kits over the years with mostly positive results. The Big Betty and Bright Hawk would be great choices for any kid's first rocket, and I loved the Intruder and QEZ Boost Glider until they left our dimension. I bought a Tracer starter kit years ago when they were still sold at Hobby Lobby. The Tracer is long gone to an ill-timed breeze, but the launch controller from that set is still my go-to launcher at B6-4 Field. Yeah, the rings can be flimsy and the parts occasionally don't fit without some masking tape or sanding, but Quest birds have generally been a solid value that I give serious consideration to when I find them.

 

[Pantherjon]

I have built a few Quest kits and my assessment goes from ok to really?..X-15, overall in the ok park..HOWEVER instruction did not indicate nose weight was needed(in hindsight I should have realized it was needed but I was just getting back into the hobby), didn't add any and had an end over end flight.Materials were pretty good for the build..The other end of the spectrum for me was my Big Betty kit.Fin stock was extremely brittle, and the nosecone- I have never seen a plastic cone that had such thin walls! 3 flights and the shoulder broke off...

 

[sodmeister]

As I mentioned in another thread (beginners) ,I bought the Harpoon and was quite surprised at the low quality of parts...very surprised !

I say this ,because the last two Quest kits I built were the Minotaur and Future Launch Vehicle and I was very pleased with the parts and quality ,real favorites with my club launches !

My first ever Quest kit was the Tomahawk cruise missile ,built several years ago ,but do not remember how the parts were (although I just bought another for scaling up purposes :wink

The Harpoon body tube was out of round and very thin and cheap looking ,much like a Bounty paper towel tube,but thinner ! The CRs were warped and poor quality,but worked ,and the motor tube had a layer of gloss yellow paint,that needed to be sanded off ,otherwise any kind of glue would never adhere to it.

The Kevlar is good ,but I used my own as to make it longer for my needed.This I found was always a great idea that Quest had/has ,was to supply Kevlar so as to mount to the MMT ,I like that !

The round elastic is rather short I find ,but not all that big of a deal ,as I have plenty of spare stuff in my messin around box.THis may however be a problem to a new person building the kit for the first time and not having extra shock cord ,but that may be a nit pick.

My Balsa was pretty good acutally ,nice and lazer cut and medium hardness ,very usable.

So Quest ,work on the centering rings and body tubes on some of these kits and all would be great !

Oh....no more plastic stickers......water slide decals are the way to go a la Tomahawk !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul T

 

[Derek]

Regarding the Kevlar shock cord, in all the Quest kits I've built, the Kevlar is only half of the shock cord. They supply a length of elastic as well.

that isn't the case for the courier. 24" of kevlar only. I've already planned on extending it with some elastic chock cord.

 

[chrism]

Does anyone know where Quest get their tubes? They are the only ones that I know of that uses the metric tubes (of companies still in business). Maybe if they switch suppliers that will solve many problems.

 

[JPVegh]

I've built quite a few Quest kits over the years, my impressions are mostly positive. I prefer Estes to almost all manufacturers but I've gotten a few dogs from them in the past. Sometimes stuff happens.

 

[shreadvector]

Metric size is a result of the legacy MPC origins of the kits, tubes and parts and the fact that metric is just logical.

Tubes can come from any company as any tube manufacturer will make you precisely the size you order. MPC tubes came from the USA (either Euclid or Stone, I have no idea).

Does anyone know where Quest get their tubes? They are the only ones that I know of that uses the metric tubes (of companies still in business). Maybe if they switch suppliers that will solve many problems.

 

[SAC of MMMSClub]

I'm almost done putting together my first Quest kit, the Courier egg lofter. My initial impression is not positive.

Here are some of the issues I've noticed:

1. Motor mount tube was squashed almost flat. It also seems to be a little thinner than what Estes provides.

2. Body tube slightly squished. Not a big deal.

3. Motor clip snapped. The motor clip (retainer) was bowed up. The instructions tell you to bend the retainer down so that there is some pressure keeping it in contact with the motor mount tube and motor. In the process of gently bending it the other way, it snapped. Annoying, but I can live with using masking tape to retain the motor.

4. The centering rings are junk. They are basically just thick paper. Getting them to stay square to the motor mount was extermely frustrating. It took a couple of tries to get the motor mount installed correctly. Estes really wide cardboard rings are much better.

5. The kevlar shock cord is nice, but is way too short. It barely extends past the body tube. I'll have to extend this by a foot or two. It also seems like it will readily zipper the tube.

6. We snapped a balsa fin and the launch lug standoff while removing it from the sheet. That was our fault, but the quality of the balsa is poor. There are a few large missing chunks that will need to be filled.

7. Parachute requires assembly. You need put little stickers on the corners and tie the strings on. Really? Estes doesn't seem to have a problem providing pre-assembled chutes.

8. An egg fits in the nose cone really tightly. Technically it meets the minimum diameter needed to fit an egg in there, but there isn't enough room for bubble wrap or even a thin sandwich bag. This could prove to be the biggest problem.

All in all, I'm not too sure I'd buy another Quest kit based on these issues.

Thanks for putting up with my rant!

:bangpan:

Ok I work with School kids and 4H groups and I have helped built lots of Quest curriers. They are not a lot of things, BUT this is where you learn some tricks of the trade.

They are not real expensive, most of the money is in the nose cone egg capsule that is for sure. I know that I have modified the kit explanation and part during group builds to make it go smoother and work better. Remember it is a model rocket, on an 18 mm motor it does not have to be over built. (I love to over build):horse: but that means that you have to replace and modify the parts. One of the first things we tell the kids Do Not Bend The Motor Hook, snap!:no::bangpan:

Buy some Estes motor hooks they are real nice and look nice too.
Buy some kevlar string, cord, I have given out some at my 4H builds to replace the quest stuff. Also had kids cut notch for cord and tie it behind forward CR
Go to Apogee and watch the vid on making stronger engine mounts. Take your time and build it right and square.
Go to Staples or Office Max and buy some sticker paper for the fins, instant smooth surface and stronger fins.
You have to build the parachute, ya and if you do not like their stickers use the sticky Os for note book paper they are strong!
Also, put two launch lugs on it, one Aft between fins, and one forward, this way it will not torque and bind on rod. So you should buy some Launch Lugs too either all same or assortment pkg.
Plug the hole in the tail of egg capsule if you want to keep all egg in the egg capsule.

It is after all a 12 to 16 dollar kit, if parts were damaged call Quest and I am willing to bet you will have parts or a new kit, in days!!!!

Wait till you shell out $80-$180+ bucks and get a bag-o-parts that don't fit for sh#@! You really get creative!

 

[AfterBurners]

My thoughts are if you have to make that many changes to a Quest kit or any kit then its not worth buying. You are better off buying a qualty kit that has the parts needed to build the kit

 

[luke strawwalker]

My thoughts are if you have to make that many changes to a Quest kit or any kit then its not worth buying. You are better off buying a qualty kit that has the parts needed to build the kit

Exactly...

I'd be embarrassed to sell something that had SUCH poor quality... I mean, SERIOUSLY??

I've picked up a couple of Quest kits on sales (Tomahawk and FLV) but I haven't built them-- they're in the kit stash...

I don't have a problem with replacing a FEW things-- for instance, on Estes kits, I ALWAYS toss the stupid rubber band and go with about 3X it's length in regular sewing elastic for the shock cord... I clip the "tail" off the motor hook... But that's about it... Heck even in some Zooch kits I've learned to about double the shock cord length... but everything else in Zooch kits is top-notch...

Things like centering rings that don't fit, are insufficient to withstand the thrust, extremely thin tubes, etc... that's just p!ss-poor quality control... (or none at all) and skimping on materials...

Later! OL JR

 

[Derek]

One of the first things we tell the kids Do Not Bend The Motor Hook, snap!:no::bangpan:

well, step 1 in the instructions tell you to bend the hook. as it was delivered, the hook was too bent in the wrong direction to be of any use.

Also, put two launch lugs on it, one Aft between fins, and one forward, this way it will not torque and bind on rod.

I built another launch lug for it last night. I haven't decided if I'll install it, though.

Plug the hole in the tail of egg capsule if you want to keep all egg in the egg capsule.

Now this is a fantastic tip! thank you!

It is after all a 12 to 16 dollar kit, if parts were damaged call Quest and I am willing to bet you will have parts or a new kit, in days!!!!!

Due to the delays in receiving the kit, I don't have the time to wait for a new part or kit. I've already painted it at this point, so it is what it is. We'll fly it and see what happens.

Thanks again for the tips!

 

[DaveCombs]

If you think that egglofter's a bad build, try building Custom's Elite. An egg capsule sitting on top of a BT-20 that's maybe 10" long? Where are you going to put a chute big enough to bring the egg home safe (hint: the included plastic 12" isn't gonna do it)? And some truly monstrous standoffs...

I agree with the comments about Quest centering rings in general; they're too thin, and so far I haven't received one that's not curved like a Pringles chip. I like and own a number of their designs, but their materials could use some improvement.

 

[SAC of MMMSClub]

Derek,

If the motor retainer was toast strait out of the Bag-o-Bits, call Quest or any of the kit makers immediately and they will make it right! if the shipper or hobby retailer will not they(the maker) will.

I got a real nice kit, with an off the mark part, and I had a new one in priority mail 3 days.

Also not to belabor the point but if you have a problem stop and go to the Apogee web page, and do a search of the vids or all the "Peak of Flight" news letters and you might find a fix! Or look at the top of this page and put your problem or part in the search box chances you are not the first to have the problem.

We use black electrical tape to hold capsule closed, and yes it seems to only hold a small to medium egg with no padding or bag, as i have seen kid break the egg just trying to load it. One 4H group brought farm fresh eggs and none would fit as they were all "real" eggs not DeCoster robo eggs. So buy grocery store eggs, not farm eggs.

How to strengthen a motor mount, How to make a motor retainer that just swivels out of the way to remove motor from some things you already have, or can get at hardware store cheep!

That is another thing to remember everything is a rocket part! No mater what the product is named on the shelf it still is a rocket part!

All kits are going to need some TLC from $10 to $500 there are always things that need a fix.

Good luck! post some pics of the finished rocket we love pics.:clap:

 

[Andy Greene]

I have a Hi-Q that is about worn out from so many flights on E20's - was my first E-powered rocket and has held up well.
That said, the initial cost of the kit seemed high- for the lack of thru-fin / fin quality, ect.

Andy

 

[Derek]

Derek,

If the motor retainer was toast strait out of the Bag-o-Bits, call Quest or any of the kit makers immediately and they will make it right! if the shipper or hobby retailer will not they(the maker) will.

well, it broke on saturday. they don't open until monday. best case, they would have shipped a new one out monday and I would get it thursday (tomorrow). that would give me one day to build it and it wouldn't get painted, but that isn't a big deal. that is very a optimistic, but not impossible timeline.

you are very defensive of quest? are you a shareholder?

all I wanted to do was post my experiences with this kit. based on feedback from others (yourself included), it seems like my observations are not uncommon. I fully realize that all rockets will require some creative assembly and I have no issue with that provided the materials meet a minimum standard. based on my observations, this kit does not meet the same level of quality as those from other vendors.

I don't need a motor clip. as far as I know, masking tape still works just fine. it might actually weigh a little less, too! I did email quest and have asked politely for a new clip and while typing up this response I got a reply saying they will happily send a new clip! the response came in less than 5 minutes. that is great service, imo.

I do really appreciate your tips specifically with the egg holder as this will be our first egg launching event. I've noticed that eggs do fit really tightly in there. the nar rules state the max od of an egg can be 45mm, and I actually think that is actually a hair wider than the id of the nose cone. I really hope I get a skinny egg!

thanks again for your help!
Derek

 

[hcmbanjo]

Hi Derek,
The engine hook they'll send out may not be any better than the one you got in the original kit.
I think the parts they have now are what came in your kit.
You'll want a spring steel hook (one that returns to shape after it's bent out for an engine to go in the motor mount tube.)

You can always make your own from the spring steel center strip in old windshield wiper blades:
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-your-own-engine-hooks-part-1.html
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-you-own-engine-hooks-part-2.html
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-your-own-engine-hooks-part-3.html
https://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-your-own-engine-hooks-part-4.html

Most all vendors will do their best to make it right.

 

[Derek]

I agree that I'll probably get the exact same thing, but hopefully it will be straight and not bent the wrong way.

 

[SAC of MMMSClub]

Derek,

Well I have talked to Quest, mostly one person in there customer service dept. many times, and they are good to deal with. No I am not a share holder

I understand the rant part, we all want to see value for our dollar. When you see it is not there it is annoying, and a pain if parts are to cheep to be useful. Understand completely!

I wanted you to see that there are workarounds, and sources for the workarounds, thats all.

Good luck, hope you don't scramble.

Scott