Reliability Estes E9 vs E12

[J Blatz]

Isn't one or the other of these CATO prone?

I am fixing to stock up on BP motors and would like to get a couple packs of whichever is better.

 

[rstaff3]

Lies, damn lies and statistics...

Here's my experience for what it's worth. https://rocketdungeon.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-experience-with-estes-e-motors.html

 

[TangoJuliet]

I haven't used an E12, but I did have an E9-4 CATO on a brand new Big Daddy. Estes replaced the kit and the motors. I've used the replacement motors without incident.

 

[Charles_McG]

From other discussions here on TRF, I'd say it has more to do with lot # than 9v12. There are lots where both thrust levels have CATOed.

 

[rstaff3]

I think that may be the case. As best I can figure from my logs, the E9 was out about 10 years before the E12 and, until the E12 issues started cropping up, I don't remember widespread problems with the E9s. This is just what my flawed memory came up with.

 

[SDramstad]

I had an E-9 cato fairly spectacularly this last weekend. Blew both ends out about 10 to 20 feet off the ground. Loud boom and lots of sparks. In a saucer so no damage. I have had enough of them blow that I only use them in saucers.