You have to check the performance of the particular motor you're interested in. For example, an Estes C6 has a higher initial thrust than a Quest C6. If the rocket is heavy or draggy, you may not have the velocity off the rod you'd like and you'll put on an undesired aerobatic show. :y:
I'm suitably embarrassed. Instead of checking the actual numbers, I went by observation of many failed flights and assumed a lower but longer profile all the way along the curve.The Quest C6 actually has a higher initial thrust, but it quickly drops off to a lower average thrust.
You can quickly compare the time-thrust curves of motors at RocketReviews.com. See:
https://www.rocketreviews.com/compare-motors---quest-c6-to-estes-c6.html
But, you're correct that the Quest C6 motors don't work well in heavier or draggier rockets which fly fine on the Estes C6 motors.
-- Roger
I'm suitably embarrassed. Instead of checking the actual numbers, I went by observation of many failed flights and assumed a lower but longer profile all the way along the curve.
Especially embarrassing as I'm part of the NAR S&T East Coast crew.
It is best to simply provide an answer that includes the link to the NAR S&T data sheets.
There's still time for you to do that....
I'm suitably embarrassed. Instead of checking the actual numbers, I went by observation of many failed flights and assumed a lower but longer profile all the way along the curve. Especially embarrassing as I'm part of the NAR S&T East Coast crew.
what about the prices? at my LHS 3-packs of estes C6-3's go for $8.99. I heard aerotek's are 9.99 for only one.
By the way, the S&T link to the Estes C6 data sheet seems to take me to the old Aerotech C6 reload data sheet.
Is this just me on my iPhone?
other than estes, I was thinking about quest or apogee.
Quest motors are interchangeable with Estes motors --- they are the same size and basically the same construction and the same propellant. They are close to the same price.
So if you have a rocket that can fly on Estes A, B, C motors, it's going to fly pretty much the same on a Quest A, B, C motor.
Sorry, I have to disagree.
Personally, wouldn't use a Quest C6-5 in a tall BT-60 sized model.
Say for instance, the Quest Stiletto.
The model could be too heavy to stay in the air under the lower sustained thrust.
Initial peak thrust is good, then look at the low sustained thrust.
There is also too much area for the (weaker than Estes) ejection charge to pressurize.
In minimum and smaller diameter models a Quest C6 (Chinese made) engine is fine.
Depending on the lot, Chinese made Quest engines can be 3/32" shorter than an Estes.
View attachment 186175
The engine could slide forward during boost and back at ejection.
3/32" is a small amount but might wear at an engine hook slit.
The thinner casings get hot and could melt a plastic fin can or retention ring.
Quest engines are different and should be used in appropriate models.
One problem and more confusion - there are plenty of German made (Quest re-labeled) engines out there.
The German made engines had silver nozzles.
The Chinese made engines have tan nozzles.
This is not meant to bash the Quest engines.
I like the Quest A6-4 and B6-4 engines and use them all the time.
They are loud and sooty, but that easily cleans up with a damp paper towel.
I just bought 125 more of them!
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