Hi, I am new to the forum and thought it would be nice to introduce myself and share my somewhat limited experience with low power rockets. As a kid I launched a couple Estes rockets but they always seemed to end up in the top of the largest oak tree in the yard. It was neat to watch the one launch but was pretty anticlimactic when they were stuck up there never to be enjoyed again. As an adult and Dad I am fortunate to be able to not only re-live my childhood but also enjoy some hobbies with my children. I was happy that my parents had saved my original Estes starter launch pad kit. So, I use it and purchased some new rockets for the kids, and of course Mom & Dad needed some too 
. I remembered that the rockets that I had when I was a kid went too high for our area and always got lost. So in choosing them for our family program I tried to focus on those that don't go so high. My latest philosophy is to choose ones that don't go high but also are physically the largest and heaviest within an engine class. Usually some of these qualities go together. We then cut big holes in the chutes and have lately been using engines with longer chute discharge delays. These tactics seem to work well and sometimes the rockets fall within 25 feet of the launch pad. So far we have a Big Bertha, an Executioner, a Der Red Max, an Honest John, and a Goblin leftover from when I was a kid. The Executioner has about 9 launches and the Big Bertha 6 or more. Some of the others have not been launched yet. It's lots of fun to have with the kids and not terribly expensive. We just hope for calm days and time to enjoy it. Peter.
. I remembered that the rockets that I had when I was a kid went too high for our area and always got lost. So in choosing them for our family program I tried to focus on those that don't go so high. My latest philosophy is to choose ones that don't go high but also are physically the largest and heaviest within an engine class. Usually some of these qualities go together. We then cut big holes in the chutes and have lately been using engines with longer chute discharge delays. These tactics seem to work well and sometimes the rockets fall within 25 feet of the launch pad. So far we have a Big Bertha, an Executioner, a Der Red Max, an Honest John, and a Goblin leftover from when I was a kid. The Executioner has about 9 launches and the Big Bertha 6 or more. Some of the others have not been launched yet. It's lots of fun to have with the kids and not terribly expensive. We just hope for calm days and time to enjoy it. Peter.
