Kit recommendations for someone new to gliders

[DrewW]

Could folks make any recommendations on current production RG or BG kits (starter, novice, advanced) that can walk me from basics to more advanced build/trim concepts? Not looking for your favorite OOP kit (this time around), but trying to dive in and get some relevant experience in increasing levels of complexity with what is available today.

 

[FredA]

Talk to Frank - he's the man to know: https://dynasoarrocketry.com/

 

[Antares JS]

The Estes Gryphon is a great beginner BG.

 

[DrewW]

Talk to Frank - he's the man to know: https://dynasoarrocketry.com/

I love looking at Frank's pictures and videos, but recognize its way out of my league right now. I need the fundamental understanding and skills to build on to approach something like the R/C RG....

 

[user 35280]

Contact Josh and Hope at
https://jhaerospace.com/product-category/rocket-gliders/

 

[tab28682]

P!us one on the Estes Gryphon. Good 13mm motor option.

The Semroc Bluejay from Erockets is another good choice. Uses 18mm motors.

http://www.erockets.biz
TigerHawk's suggestion of checking out J&H Aerospace is another great option.

 

[Scott_650]

The Squirrel Works have a selection different boost and parasite gliders - two different sizes of the biplane style “Red Baron” boost glider, a repro of the old Centuri Bug lifting body glider and the WWII themed dual parasite glider Dogfight - top quality materials and great instructions in TSW kits. http://www.squirrel-works.com/index.html

 

[aerostadt]

The Squirrel Works have a selection different boost and parasite gliders - two different sizes of the biplane style “Red Baron” boost glider, a repro of the old Centuri Bug lifting body glider and the WWII themed dual parasite glider Dogfight - top quality materials and great instructions in TSW kits. http://www.squirrel-works.com/index.html

I would second the small Squirrel Works small Red Baron. I am not sure that it will teach you a lot about boost gliders, but it is reliable and fun to fly. I have not had good luck with the large Red Baron.

 

[Ez2cDave]

Could folks make any recommendations on current production RG or BG kits (starter, novice, advanced) that can walk me from basics to more advanced build/trim concepts? Not looking for your favorite OOP kit (this time around), but trying to dive in and get some relevant experience in increasing levels of complexity with what is available today.

How "complex" do you want ?
Do you want "looks" or maximum performance? ?
RC or free-flight ?

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/glider-design-trimming-library.155758



Dave F.

 

[Cape Byron]

This is a very nice glider kit for the money. Easy build. Both mine have disappeared on thermals...

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocke...l-Rocket-Kits/Condor-Boost-Glider?cPath=1_92&

https://www.rocketreviews.com/sky-condor-boost-glider--by-mal-mcclenaghan.html

 

[DrewW]

How "complex" do you want ?
Do you want "looks" or maximum performance? ?
RC or free-flight ?

Dave F.

Hey Dave, looking for all manners of complexity that could be tackled by someone very enthusiastic to learn. Not terribly interested in looks at the moment, or even max performance necessarily, I'm looking for the the opportunity to learn the craft in phases but also in depth. Beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced...maybe one or more at each step.

I have aspirations to tackle the RC style one day....but that day is far out in the future. For now I'll say predominantly free flight, whether that be parasitic glider or not.

 

[DrewW]

Just ran through my unbuilt kits and found an Estes Gryphon, Estes Multi-Roc, and J&H mini-windlance...so it appears I at least have something to get started with, and many suggestions to look into (but don't stop contributing ideas)

 

[Aeronerd]

This is a very nice glider kit for the money. Easy build. Both mine have disappeared on thermals...

https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocke...l-Rocket-Kits/Condor-Boost-Glider?cPath=1_92&

https://www.rocketreviews.com/sky-condor-boost-glider--by-mal-mcclenaghan.html

I second the Condor (Apogee Components carries it). Easy to trim and fly beginners boost glider. It will give you great flights too.

 

[user 35280]

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/semroc-swift-boost-glider-592.html

 

[user 35280]

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/semroc-sabre-parasite-glider-1955.html

 

[user 35280]

https://flightsketch.com/store/catalog/semroc_222/

 

[user 35280]

https://northcoastrocketry.com/collections/kits/products/f-117-nighthawk

 

[DrewW]

https://flightsketch.com/store/catalog/semroc-midget_215/

im confused…this doesn’t appear to be a glider

 

[user 35280]

im confused…this doesn’t appear to be a glider

You’re correct, sorry I highlighted the wrong one. Corrected above.

 

[user 35280]

https://oldrocketplans.com/hdi/hdi2004/hdi2004.htm

 

[user 35280]

https://oldrocketplans.com/hdi/hdi2000/hdi2000.htm

 

[user 35280]

https://oldrocketplans.com/hdi/hdi2002/hdi2002.htm

 

[user 35280]

https://jhaerospace.com/product-category/rocket-gliders/

 

[user 35280]

http://morerockets.com/Reproduction...TOMCAT-Swing-Wing-Glider-Estes_MoreRocketscom

 

[Ez2cDave]

Kits I would recommend ( in no particular order ) . . .

Semroc Swift
Semroc Blue Jay
Apogee Condor
Estes Gryphon
ModelRockets.us Quick Fly
J&H Mini-Windlance


https://www.apogeerockets.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=0&keyword=glider

Dave F.

 

[DrewW]

@TigerHawk Thank you! Can I put the blame on you when my wife asks why I bought so many new rockets all at once?

 

[user 35280]

http://squirrel-works.com/glider.html

 

[user 35280]

http://squirrel-works.com/glidertwo.html

 

[user 35280]

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/semroc-blue-jay-1818.html

 

[user 35280]

https://www.siriusrocketry.biz/ishop/semroc-hawk-boost-glider-878.html