Which Fiberglass MPR kit?

[OhioFlyer]

So I've just returned to the hobby after some time away and I'd like to build my first fiberglass (or QT, Carbon, etc) rocket. Doing some quick research I'm considering the following:

Saberhawk from Mach1

Lotus Micro and El Diablo 29 from CompositeWarehouse

Wildman Mini and Sport Kits

Thoughts Reccomendations?

 

[Hobie1dog]

all good ones, you'll get many replies with different suggestions, the new Lotus Micro is really popular now, El Diablo is classic and cool looking, Wildman kits are legendary.

 

[mrwalsh85]

Wildman "Wild Child" is a very straightforward kit. He makes a dual deploy option also so you can play with dual deployment "on the cheap" using a RRC2+ altimeter or similar... Just food for thought

 

[tOD]

I have been flying a Saberhawk for awhile and it's a great kit. Very straight forward build. However, I'd hesitate to call it "mid-power". It's small and light (mine is~260 grams without a motor) and even some of the single use "F" motors will send it out of sight. Flys great on CTI 1 grain loads with streamer recovery.
I had a Mach1 Scat awhile back, which is a similar size. Launched it on an F32 and never saw it again.

 

[Howitzer]

My first FG kit was a Rocketry Warehouse 38 Special. I sent it up a few weeks ago on a CTI G80 Skid, it was like a bullet off the pad and it landed close by with the JLCR. I think im done with anything but FG kits, they are so easy to build!

 

[afadeev]

Doing some quick research I'm considering the following:

Saberhawk from Mach1

Lotus Micro and El Diablo 29 from CompositeWarehouse

Wildman Mini and Sport Kits

Thoughts Reccomendations?

One of each!

 

[crossfire]

You might want to think about the size of your launch site.

 

[MidOH]

I just ordered a Mach1 BT55 Saberhawk and BT55 Devil Ray which will both be built with duel deployment. Streamer, then chute. There's a high power club field 1.5 hours away.

Along with a BT20 Alien Interceptor and BT50 Haymaker which I'll build first for streamer recovery and the smaller local club fields.

I'm just getting back as well. Last built a rocket 25 years ago. Wallpapered my basement work shop with Estes kits hanging, from AC Supply. Last time I did this I was broke. It's weird ordering every interesting model online in multiples, and hanging them on a peg for a rainy day. I officially have more inventory than every hobby shop within 50 miles........combined.

 

[Troy3003]

I really enjoyed building my Wildman Jr kit. Good pricing too. Just have to sim for your field, these things can go pretty high very easily.

 

[OhioFlyer]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Some of the kits being pretty small and light is a concern, even with a fairly large field to fly at.

I'm really looking for something a bit larger and more interesting than the LPR kits I've been building while I wait for our HPR field to open back up in the fall. I figured FG would be nice so I can practice skills for my eventual L2 build.
Additional reccomendations appreciated!

 

[crossfire]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Some of the kits being pretty small and light is a concern, even with a fairly large field to fly at.

I'm really looking for something a bit larger and more interesting than the LPR kits I've been building while I wait for our HPR field to open back up in the fall. I figured FG would be nice so I can practice skills for my eventual L2 build.
Additional reccomendations appreciated!

Good choices

 

[OhioFlyer]

all good ones, you'll get many replies with different suggestions, the new Lotus Micro is really popular now, El Diablo is classic and cool looking, Wildman kits are legendary.

The Lotus Micro is a real looker but that super pointy nose cone seems like an unnecessary hazard.

 

[Philip Tiberius D.]

The Lotus Micro is a real looker but that super pointy nose cone seems like an unnecessary

 

[SkyFire]

The Lotus Micro is a good choice!
I have the Lotus 3 and 5 and like them a lot!
No need to paint. Add some flat clear and go!
Note; Composite Warehouse kits don't have instructions (helps to know what you are doing).

 

[MidOH]

Kits came in. I like the Devil Ray better than the Saberhawk. Longer, with larger fins. Significantly heavier though.

I'll be using a Apogee bt55 Ebay for dual deployment. No idea on chute sizing. 18" main, 12" drogue maybe??

 

[Tractionengines]

I would think your original comment for dual deploy from when you ordered the kits would be better. (Streamer, then parachute)

Since this is your first Fiberglass build: Make sure your first step is to scrub everything with soap and water. Then wipe down with denatured alcohol before applying glue/epoxy (to get dust and oil from hands off).

 

[crossfire]

Check out Mach 1 for smaller size FG kits

 

[Tractionengines]

OhioFlyer and MidOH, I am not sure of your locations, but wanted to let you know I fly with a few clubs in NE Ohio. PM me if you want to know any info.

We had a great day Saturday. This was my son with his fiberglass MACH1 RAZER BT50 at Harmon Flying Field in Aurora, OH with MTMA (NAR sec 606). Hope to get a few Videos up in the next few days.

 

[MidOH]

I would think your original comment for dual deploy from when you ordered the kits would be better. (Streamer, then parachute)

Since this is your first Fiberglass build: Make sure your first step is to scrub everything with soap and water. Then wipe down with denatured alcohol before applying glue/epoxy (to get dust and oil from hands off).

Thanks. I'll try the streamer / 18" main first on the Saberhawk.

 

[OhioFlyer]

OhioFlyer and MidOH, I am not sure of your locations, but wanted to let you know I fly with a few clubs in NE Ohio. PM me if you want to know any info.

We had a great day Saturday. This was my son with his fiberglass MACH1 RAZER BT50 at Harmon Flying Field in Aurora, OH with MTMA (NAR sec 606). Hope to get a few Videos up in the next few days.

That's a great looking rocket. I'll send you a PM.

As I've been looking around at glass kits I got super nostalgic and I think I'll spend this part of the season tracking down and building some classic Estes/quest kits from when I was first getting into the hobby (Venus Probe, Skywinder, Condor, X-30, SR-71, etc) with my kids.

When I buy a glass kit, it'll be for my L2 attempt in the fall.