rharshberger
Well-Known Member
If you are not involved with any local clubs, and you must choose one over the other, then consider what aspects of your hobby give you the most pleasure.
Some people get the most enjoyment from the "build". If you enjoy creating your own designs, or builds that showcase detail and precision (e.g. scale), or if the idea of alternate recovery systems (e.g. "helicopter", or gliders), and the idea of the flight is to validate your design, then I recommend the NAR
If what blows your skirt up is the smoke, and the roar of the motor, and the altitude, and as far as you are concerned, the rocket itself is merely the vehicle to experience the power of the motor, then go with Tripoli.
IMO the real difference as a hobbyist between NAR and Tripoli is Competition or EX, otherwise both offer the ability to fly LPR, MPR, and HPR.