How popular is the PML Ariel?

[brianc]

All the praise for PML rockets got me poking around their website & looking for a
nice G/H kit (b-day is Monday )

I like rockets that are clean & nice, but not too popular- not that this is the only
quality I'm looking for. For example, I really like the lines of the Pterodactyl
(tiny and JR). But I've seen a few of these around the state this summer, so
I'd like to grab something else. Thus the <a href="https://secure.consumersinterest.com/pml/images/arielmichellesmall.jpg">Ariel.</a>

A quick search of TRF yields a few positive comments, and the lack of chatter
might just meet my 'not too popular' requirement.

So what do ya'll think?

 

[Missileman]

There is a guy in my club that has an Ariel.
I do like PML kits.
If you want something more rare how about a Cosmodrome kit maybe?
I saw a North Coast Rocketry, Interceptor G on Ebay just recently.
I don't see alot of those at launches.

 

[cls]

Brian, for clean designs and high quality parts, you might check out Binder Designs.

 

[n3tjm]

I have a Russian friend who is going L2 with his. I sold him a J350 for it... its going to roc-n-roll with that.

 

[Justin Horne]

Originally posted by cls
Brian, for clean designs and high quality parts, you might check out Binder Designs.

I concur. Although I like phenolic/quantum better than cardboard, it's still good.

 

[Hospital_Rocket]

Ariel is a nice bord, and I have a club member who flys his monthly. Asa nice alternative, consider the Mini-BBX by PML. It is easily updated to the CP3K system and if you really want a kick in the pants you can later add the Terrier booster for some serious altitude. I got my L1 on the Mini-BBX with am Ellis H50 SU.

As mentioned above, Cosmodrome is not real "popular" however they make beautiful kits. I have a Nike Apache that screams on a G80 or an H165. Also does pretty well on an F.

A

 

[ggoldy]

I did my L1 cert with an Ariel. A couple years old now. Never had a problem with it. It would serve well as a L2 cert, as well. When not flying, it hangs from the bedroom cieling....irratates the wife, heh, heh, heh. Never seen another in person...the Ariel, not the wife.

 

[joepolicy]

The Ariel is my rocket of choice for my upcoming L1 cert attempt next week. It was easy to build considering it was my first HPR kit. I really like it and if I get my certification, I will really LOVE it!

 

[Hospital_Rocket]

If you are not completely dedicated to the PML product - I just finished assembling a Weasel29. Add an AT H165 or an Ellis H50 and you would have an inexpensive L1. Save the $$ for the electronics and L2.

 

[Zippy]

I voted for CTulanko. I don't know what he has to do with the Ariel but both are probably a good choice.

 

[brianc]

Originally posted by Zippy
I voted for CTulanko. I don't know what he has to do with the Ariel but both are probably a good choice.

It was a nod to the 'CowboyNeal' poll options on Slashdot.org Carl is probably the
closest thing to CowboyNeal around here!

Thanks for all the good responses folks!

 

[jetra2]

I voted "The What?" because I personally have not seen many around. It would be cool to see at a HERC meet, Brian!

I still don't get the CTulanko reference...

Jason

 

[loopy]

Great looking kit, I've never actually seen one in person, but you really can't go wrong with PML.

Loopy

 

[gothique_97]

I knew someone who had one many years ago. Flew it at a Battle Park launch on a J180 with a Casio altimeter wristwatch to 4700 feet. It took a bit of a hard landing, but after necessary repairs, it flew the next day on a J415...if by 'flew' you mean it underwent rapid aerodynamic disassembly halfway through the motor's burn. I also saw one fly on a J90 on an arrow straight flight.

I've had my eye on it for a while, myself. Thinking of building it hybrid-ready and doing my L2 cert.

 

[brianc]

"What the heck did you order now!?!?!"

My <a href="https://secure.consumersinterest.com/pml/images/arielmichellesmall.jpg">Ariel</a> (from Great Lakes) arrived today!