Least expensive 7"+ kit?

[majordude]

The LOC Warelok can be had for around $170, is this the least expensive fat kit?

 

[maxvelocity]

I think so. When I saw your thread title I opened it to comment the Warlock.

 

[Handeman]

I don't know if it is the cheapest, but probably. It is a 38mm MMT for J and smaller motors.

What you probably need to look at more then OD is what range of motors do you want to fly in that size. If you're looking for 54mm J, K & small L motors, then the LOC DoorKnob at $184 might be the cheapest. If you want 75mm J, K and full L motors with dual deployment, then the LOC Bruiser-EXP3 at $290 might be the lowest. If you want +7" kit that will handle M motors, the price will go up again.

 

[majordude]

I don't know if it is the cheapest, but probably. It is a 38mm MMT for J and smaller motors.

I'm thinking about a backup plan for an L2.

For an L3 I think I HAVE to use an altimeter or two (don't hold me to that). But a fatty with an J won't end up in the next state.

 

[CarVac]

I'm thinking about a backup plan for an L2.

For an L3 I think I HAVE to use an altimeter or two (don't hold me to that). But a fatty with an J won't end up in the next state.

Diameter isn't the only thing you can use to keep altitude down. Fins work too: my 4" diameter, 40" tall, 7 pound Upward Propensity went only 2500 feet on a baby K.

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?37367-Upward-Propensity-My-Level-2-rocket

I don't know what more you could ask for. It's low&slow, but yet (relatively) compact and lightweight, so you can fly it in higher wind conditions without worrying too much about weathercocking.

 

[cwbullet]

Solid plan. I recommend not using a short rocket for your level 3. Fat is ok, but go with a standard AV bay and 2 body sections.

Simple is always better.

 

[majordude]

Solid plan. I recommend not using a short rocket for your level 3. Fat is ok, but go with a standard AV bay and 2 body sections.

I expect to use the ARR Predator 10K for my L3. I am super impressed with the Predator Jr. that I've been building forever.

 

[COrocket]

Like carvac said you can use fins/weight to keep the altitude down also. There are some 4" PR fiberglass kits that can be had for $130-150 that would work. They are pretty hefty but solid. My Nike goes to around 2200 ft on a J350W. Looking from the LOC web page it looks like a warlok could match that altitude simply because it is a much lighter rocket.

I'm thinking about a backup plan for an L2.

For an L3 I think I HAVE to use an altimeter or two (don't hold me to that). But a fatty with an J won't end up in the next state.

And for L3 you have to run 2 altimeters

 

[majordude]

And for L3 you have to run 2 altimeters

Off topic but my Raven3 has backup (I can fire 4 events with one altimeter (two forward, two rear) so would that "qualify" or does the NAR physically want two altimeters?

 

[COrocket]

Off topic but my Raven3 has backup (I can fire 4 events with one altimeter (two forward, two rear) so would that "qualify" or does the NAR physically want two altimeters?

No they want two completely independent systems. That way you have redundancy on everything. For example the raven can provide charge redundancy but does not protect against things like power failure. You could probably find a cheap adept altimeter to go along for the ride with your raven - the altimeters don't have to be the same.

 

[majordude]

No they want two completely independent systems. That way you have redundancy on everything. For example the raven can provide charge redundancy but does not protect against things like power failure. You could probably find a cheap adept altimeter to go along for the ride with your raven - the altimeters don't have to be the same.

Bah. At that point, once I am in three mortgage payments, what's another $155?

 

[cwbullet]

There are cheap altimeters. I recommend you use on of them for back up.

 

[cbrarick]

Get yourself a stratologger. They're cheap, easy to use and bullet proof.

I routinely fly a Intimidator 4 on the K1000 skid to 4200 feet, not so high! Most 4 inch glass kits aren't going to go that high on a small K.

 

[majordude]

I poked around a bit more and all the other major manufacturers (that I know of) don't offer anything close to the value of the 8" Warlock. Anyone disagree?

 

[Handeman]

I poked around a bit more and all the other major manufacturers (that I know of) don't offer anything close to the value of the 8" Warlock. Anyone disagree?

I can't disagree with that. I don't think you'll find a +7 inch kit cheaper. With the 38mm MMT, it's really a L1 rocket IMHO. You can put a L2 in it, but I think it was probably designed for 38mm L1 motors. Either way, it should be a fun rocket!