Barkley
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2015
- Messages
- 572
- Reaction score
- 15
I can imagine the headaches and chaos at launches if only custom/scratch made rockets were allowed. Not that this is a problem now, but I mean no kits available/allowed at all for the hobby.
Before any scratch builders start protesting my statement, I'll note I like custom/scratch too (I've got a dedicated book of rocket ideas), but I've had my scratch Beaker rocket do a power loop at my club earlier this year when I forgot I never tested it on a C motor...had done fine a couple of times on an A and B, but the incident was embarrassing. I would also say it's my opinion that I've seen more scratch builds with flight issues than kits (one beautiful winged wonder did a power loop into the ground right off the rail at my club a few months ago).
In addition, I'd say that kits are a reason this hobby is as popular as it is. I purchased a E2X Estes kit on a whim (loosely using the reasoning of entertaining my young child), but it's progressed far beyond that. Kits allow someone just browsing the hobby aisles to be bitten with the rocket bug and then slowly progress along at the skill level they're comfortable with and capable of. :grin:
I completely agree that economical, cool kits are the reason why rocketry is as popular as it is today. I recently saw someone refer to a recent kit purchase as a "gateway dru... I mean entry into the HPR world". Technical ability is a barrier to entry and a barrier to fun, and the RTF and E2X kits remove it.