Estes Body Tube Durability

[Sparkyflyer14]

For an upcoming level 1 highpower scratchbuild, I was intending to use Estes 2in body tube, found in the pro series II kit Ventris. However, I am concerned that it won't hold up to the forces of a highpower motor. Accordingly, I was wondering if those who have used this body tube could share the biggest motors they have used without the body tube collapsing.
Thank you.

I am also interested in the durability of a 4in Estes body tube as found on their website.

 

[DabCat]

The Estes pro series tubes are strong enough for high power motors. My Estes Mammoth (2") has flown exclusively on G76 and G64 motors for its 40+ flight lifetime and all damage (minor) is from transport. It would hold up to a H, though an I would be questionable. I would have already flown it on a H had I not glued in the motor stop. My Estes partizon (2.6") flies regularly on H165 and H128 motors,and I've seen it successfully flown on the H210. My Estes Nike Smoke (3") eats H128 and H180 motors like they are nothing. I actually plan to put a 29mm I motor in it when I get the chance. All mentioned are built stock. I also have a mega Der red max clone using the original Estes 4" body tube and nose cone and it has a 38mm motor mount. Only difference is the laser cut parts, which are all 6mm birch ply. If the rocket is built well, it should hold up fine. If you're worried about the tube buckling, some easier options than fiberglassing it would be adding a Coupler inside the airframe just above the motor mount. Good luck with your build, and please share pictures!

 

[ShadowSpire48]

I've seen people use Pro Series kits on baby H motors like an H128 or H115 all day long without problems. They're not much more powerful than an Aerotech G80. The Mega Der Red Max uses their 4" body tubing and a LOT of people fly those on H motors. I've seen people use Estes Leviathans, Mammoths, and Partizons on a baby H. I've flown my 3" Nike Smoke on an H128 before and it held up fine. Are you going for a cert flight or is this a post-cert flight? If you're doing a cert flight, I would highly suggest 3" or 4" tubing with a baby H. 2" rockets can go quite high on an H. If you are planning on ordering tubing from Estes, I would suggest ordering LOC tubing instead. It's much more durable for basically the same cost.

 

[C.O.B.H.C.]

They should up fine. I've flown my Estes Majestic on a H195NT and a H115DM.

Here is my Majestic on a H115DM. Photo by Rob Heil.

 

[Off Grid Gecko]

They should up fine. I've flown my Estes Majestic on a H195NT and a H115DM.

Here is my Majestic on a H115DM. Photo by Rob Heil.
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I suddenly want to get another Majestic kit. I don't even know what happened to my other one. Prolly out here in the woods hanging from a tree.

I don't know for 100% about the 2" directly, but I'd imagine it would be fine on a 29mm motor, considering the Mean Machine will handle G motors, but it's a smaller tube I think. I have a little high-power that I bashed up a Mean Machine kit to build. I added couplers from the forward motor mount (3 centering rings) all the way up to where the nose cone seats. The one thing I would beware of is zippers. Make sure whatever shock cord you are using is plenty wide enough where it exits the tube.

 

[krislhull]

I’ve flown my Ventris on H115s before. Flies perfectly on them.

 

[rharshberger]

I've seen people use Pro Series kits on baby H motors like an H128 or H115 all day long without problems. They're not much more powerful than an Aerotech G80. The Mega Der Red Max uses their 4" body tubing and a LOT of people fly those on H motors. I've seen people use Estes Leviathans, Mammoths, and Partizons on a baby H. I've flown my 3" Nike Smoke on an H128 before and it held up fine. Are you going for a cert flight or is this a post-cert flight? If you're doing a cert flight, I would highly suggest 3" or 4" tubing with a baby H. 2" rockets can go quite high on an H. If you are planning on ordering tubing from Estes, I would suggest ordering LOC tubing instead. It's much more durable for basically the same cost.

The MDRM does not use "Estes" tubing (referring to thinner lightweight airframe tube), its airframe tubing is closer to the LOC 3.9" stuff. All the original PSII series kits with 29mm motor mounts should be good for H motors that are not extreme (like the H550ST or H268R), the aforementioned, H115, H123, H97's should all be okay, eventually though wear and tear will necessitate repairs or retirement of the rocket.