Determinng Skill Levels on Various Manufacturer Kits

Greetings Fellow Rocketeers. I am trying to determine appropriate skill levels and recommended "first flight" motor(s) on some kits I have of various former (?) manufacturers and old kits. The ones I'm currently looking at are:

Semroc Kits:
1. Laser-X Space Probe (balsa nose cone & fins, BD: 1.340", L: 21.5", FS: 7.0", NW: 1.8 oz.), flies on A8-3, B6-4, C6-5
a. My thoughts: SL-2 or 3, FF B6-4
2. Hydra VII (7 motor cluster, multiple balsa nose cones and fins, multiple tubes, BD: 1.640", L: 30.5", FS: 6.9", NW: 5.2 oz), flies on C6-3 (1), C6-5 (3), C6-7 (7)
a. My thoughts: SL-3 or 4, FF C6-3
Vaughn Brothers Rocketry:
1. Extreme 24 (includes fiberglass fins, 7.5" payload section, altimeter mounting kit & 18mm motor adapter), flies on C6-5, D12-7, E15-7, G42-12
a. My thoughts: SL-??, FF: D12-7
2. Blobbo (includes fiberglass fins, plywood centering rings, TTW Fin attachments), flies on C6-3, D21-7
a. My thoughts: SL-2, FF C6-3
Rocket Vision/Rugged-Rockets:
1. MachBuster (includes fiberglass fins, phenolic tube, and requires 5-min and 20-min epoxy construction), files on Estes D12-7, AT E50-8, AT F72-10, AT G55-10 (AT = AeroTech)
This rocket was received in a donation box so an estimate cost value would be appreciated as well.
a. My thoughts: SL-4, FF D12-7, Cost $21

I'm looking to obtain this information for youth members in our 4H program, which requires skill level specification and also proof of "first flight" recommended motor(s) for their selected projects. Thank you for any assistance you folks can provide.

Laser X- Centuri said it was skill level 3
Hydra VII - Skill level 3
Extreme 24 - Skill level 2
Blobbo - Skill level 2
Mach Buster - Skill level 2/3 was around $20

kj

I always appreciate this info up front... as my family can't seem to figure out what the right "challenge" is for me at Xmas or my birthday.... I'm probably at Skill Level 3, but there aren't as many of those available. (Also, I've never seen a Skill Level 4 anywhere.... though I've seen two Level Fives once!)

I recommend checking out Estes; they have a few 4s, more 5s, and even Pro series II. Also check out other online distributors like ApogeeRockets.com and Hobbylinc.com, or do a search for Skill level 4 or 5 model rocket kits. You should turn some up that way.

Do other people agree with kjohnson's assessment on the kits skill levels? I also need first flight motor recommendations. Thank you!

4HRocketLeader said:

Do other people agree with kjohnson's assessment on the kits skill levels? I also need first flight motor recommendations. Thank you!

Click to expand...

I'd say smallest motor that leaves the rod at >30 mph. Easy to figure if you know the gross weight and have rocksim or openrocket files for them.