Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstar_borderstar_border |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Manufacturer: | FlisKits |
Brief:
This is another unusual design by FlisKits. It is supposed to look like a flying V guitar. I believe it first came
out at NARAM 47.
Construction:
Everything is packaged well. Here is what you get:
Nothing was missing and all parts are high quality. My younger brother picked this out at NARAM 47. I helped him with construction a bit, but he did most of the work. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. As for the build, it's straightforward. I like the fact that FlisKits make you cut out your own fins. I'm not really sure why they included a 1/8in launch lug for a rocket meant for D and E motors. We used it anyway and didn't have any problems. The design is really sweet.
Finishing:
Finishing this rocket is normal but time consuming due to all of the balsa. Make sure you have plenty of sanding
sealer for 6 large fins and a nose cone. The paint job my younger brother wanted was a little different but looked good
in the end. I didn't have any trouble with it at all.
Construction Rating: 4 out of 5
Flight:
First flight was at VOA which is normally pretty windy. It wasn't too bad, I'd guess about 5-10mph winds that day. We
loaded it with 4 sheets of wadding and a D12-5. The package says it will be a slow and graceful flier, so that was what
we were expecting. Once the motor lit it ripped off the pad faster than you would expect for a rocket with a high drag
design. I'd guess 800+ft. Very sweet first flight. Later on we tried an E9-6. Once again a great flight, but a lot of
weathercocking during the last second of burn. Not sure how high, but it was really up there.
One comment for E motors: The motor will hang out the back of the motor mount. Just wrap some masking tape around it and it will be okay.
Recovery:
The chute is packed really tightly in the tube, but recovery was perfect both flights. Having a long shock cord and
Kevlar®
thread is a real plus. The one problem is that it'll drift forever. I'm talking half a mile or more walk for both
flights. It may just be that the large fin design catches the wind. It's also interesting that the shock cord is
anchored on the outside of the body. This may eliminate the need for a lot of wadding.
Flight Rating: 3 out of 5
Summary:
All in all, FlisKits made a winner here. This was our first FlisKits rocket and my brother, who was 10 at the time,
made most of it himself. I don't think the 1/8in launch lug is good idea for something that takes D and E motors. We
used it and had no problems, but I think it should be upgraded to a 3/16in lug. Other than that, I'd highly recommend
this kit to anyone who wants a different from the usual rocket. You won't be disappointed.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
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