I would say it is the motor most likely to result in a successful flight and recovery under a wide variety of conditions.
Especially for those who've only flown a few (or no) rockets before, it's the motor designed to give sufficient altitude (generally on the low side) to pretty much guarantee recovery. Even experienced flyers sometimes have a tendency to pick a field that's too small or to misjudge wind conditions (which can always be variable). Bertha's unlikely to get too high on a C6-5, but running on half that power increases the odds of: 1) you recovering your rocket instead of it blowing into the weeds/woods/waters, and 2) being able to see all phases of flight, particularly take-off and ejection, so you know how your rocket behaves in general. I have a fleet of tiny "disposable" Wizards from a bulk pack that I toss up for fun or sometimes to check upper wind conditions before launching more valuable birds, especially when i'm using my closest field that I wish were larger. On an A motor, it'll always come home, 90% of the time on a B motor, though I generally lose visual track of it until I see the streamer pop out. On a C motor, in that field, it would be a coin toss if I'd ever see that little rocket again. Bertha's great because she's fat and a low flyer--550 feet listed using a C, with "typical" construction/finishing with the stock 18 mm motor mount. But you can also fit composite fuel 18mm D-motors (e.g., Quest D16-4s) or install a 24mm or 29mm mount for bigger engines to get more altitude. If you don't build so aerodynamically (rounding fin leading edges especially or rough/no paint job), she might not fly as high as possible. I've seen a few Berthas that were built heavy or not so aerodynamically that did better on a C6-3 than the recommended C6-5. If the chute's popping while she's screaming towards home, then use a shorter delay time. If the chute's popping while there's still some upward motion then consider a longer delay. You're gonna love your Bertha!!! And then you need to get yourself a Big Daddy to complete the marriage! I'm not much of a speed/altitude demon and enjoy big fat rockets where you can see all phases of flight without binoculars.
You're going to love Fat Daddy!!! Try a D12-3 BP motor first and watch winds--it's got a large profile. You can stuff some potent composite D/E motors into its 24mm mount if you want that will exceed Estes recommended motor specs, and still keep it within sight.
I would agree...
Of course. But it's a great rocket and your kids are going to love it as much as you!Thx for looking out for a feller
