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My launch field was available since the corn was harvested, so I launched 2 rockets late Saturday! The Honest John went up on a timid C11-5 and flew and recovered well.
But then I launched my Red Flare on an E12-6 with a too big mylar chute and it drifted away....
One thing I've observed with low-power rockets, is that I am yet to EVER regret flying them on a smaller chute!
I do recall many regrets over flying on too large (stock) chute, as the rocket drifts into the next zip code. But all of them have been sturdy enough to withstand a rough landing, or two, or descent on a smaller chute than what comes from Estes.
I can't remember how much weight I added to the NC but it was probably overkill.I love mini HoJo - it was a fun build, and it flies great on D12-5 and E12-7 motors!
One thing I've observed with low-power rockets, is that I am yet to EVER regret flying them on a smaller chute!
I do recall many regrets over flying on too large (stock) chute, as the rocket drifts into the next zip code. But all of them have been sturdy enough to withstand a rough landing, or two, or descent on a smaller chute than what comes from Estes.
Consequently, I now throw away default plastic Estes chutes, and almost universally fly my low-power birds on 12"/15"/18" TARC chutes from Ky Michaelson:
https://the-rocketman.com/tarc-parachutes/
YMMV,
a
DittoI am a big fan of spill holes.
I now throw away default plastic Estes chutes
If you are tossing out your plastic Estes chutes maybe you want to work a deal and slide those in an envelope and send them my way... just saying.
Give Top Flight Recovery thin mill line of chutes a try they are great for model rockets. They pack small, fabric dosen't get sticky, work very well in cold weather.
I stick a piece of scotch tape over the holes and send it back in. I like those Top Flight Recovery chutes. I'd have to buy a lot because I'm afraid I'll lose track of which chute goes in which rocket, usually based on the performance of the previous launch.Between being scorched, shroud lines ripped off, or generally FUBAR, I find Estes chutes are only good for a flight a two anyway. Basically a (more) disposable item. I bought a couple of Designer's Specials, so I have plenty. I use snap swivels for quick field changing or transferring.
Write yourself up a sheet of launch configurations - chute size and motor(s) to use, then leave it in your range box.I stick a piece of scotch tape over the holes and send it back in. I like those Top Flight Recovery chutes. I'd have to buy a lot because I'm afraid I'll lose track of which chute goes in which rocket, usually based on the performance of the previous launch.
I tried keeping track on my iPhone but haven't been successful with that yet. Someday...Write yourself up a sheet of launch configurations - chute size and motor(s) to use, then leave it in your range box.
My main problem with the plastic Estes chutes is that they can self-stick, particularly in humid conditions.
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