(12/31/04) I haven't build a Custom kit in a very long time. However, BRS Hobbies asked me to build this one and review it for EMRR. So, I did.

The Sport is a straightforward four-fins-and-a-nosecone rocket. It barely qualifies to be considered a "longneck" on EMRR. The Sport is a "longneck" because it has a 0.976" diameter and is 29.5" long, giving it a 30.2:1 length to diameter ratio.

Click to see my 18mm Longneck comparison article

The rocket includes three 9" long, 0.976" diameter, light brown paper body tube for the main body and a 2 1/2" hollow plastic nosecone. The kits includes die-cut 1/16" balsa fins. The motor mount consists of one 18mm motor tube, a thrust ring, two centering rings and a motor hook. The recovery system made up of a 15" long, 1/8" wide, white elastic shock cord, a 3-fold paper mount, and a 12" plastic parachute that the builder assembles. Lastly the kit includes two tube couplers, two 1/8" diameter launch lugs, and a pressure sensitive decal sheet.

CONSTRUCTION:

The instructions are printed on both sides of a single page of 8½ x 14" paper (folded into a nice 8-page instruction sheet). The instructions include illustrations to ensure success.

Custom calls this a Skill Level 1 kit. We agree.

The motor mount is built first. Very standard. It includes a motor hook that is secured with the lower centering ring. This is then glued into the body tube.

Next, the body tube is marked using a 2D marking guide that is right in the instructions. I used the door jam method to extend the lines.

The fins are next. Die-cut make it easy. They are glued in place on the body tube, leaving 1" from the aft. The instructions guide you to apply fillets and then to seal them.

The body tubes are coupled together and then the launch lugs are added.

The last steps are to attached the elastic shock cord to the plastic nose cone and to 3-fold paper mount it to the inside of the upper body tube. The parachute is then assemble.

Custom gives a number of basic finishing guidance including suggested painting colors and masking technique.

I have been surprised with several days just at 50 degrees F, so I have been able to use my typical multiple coats of Plastic-Kote Primer and sanding in-between. Then amazingly, on the last day of November, it was warm enough to paint. I used Walmart Fire Red paint on the whole body. I waited 2 hours, masked off the top, and used Walmart Gloss Black paint to finish it off (additional comments about Walmart paint).

After drying over-night, I applied the peel-n-stick decal. It is not the easiest to get aligned properly, so take your time.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 5 points. Custom makes some nice kits. Instructions, die-cut balsa, motor retention and a plastic nose cone help to make this one a very nice starters model. Then add a decal for looks.

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Custom recommends the A8-3, B6-4, and C6-5 motors.

Custom indicates that the rocket should weigh 1.48 ounces.

My finished rocket weighed in at 1.6 ounces.

On December 29th, my son and I went sledding and I was noticing that there was absolutely no wind. Since I was fortunate enough to get the rocket painted on the last day of November, I decided I should try to fly it as well.

So we packed up a couple of rockets and went for a few quick launches.

I used 3 sheets of Estes wadding and then loaded an A8-3. The flight was short, stable and ejected at apogee. Good motor match. Upon inspection I found that the upper tube had a dent in it from the nose cone kick back (short elastic shock cord). I straightened that out with my finger and got it ready again.

This time on a B6-4. Another successful launch and straight up flight. Not too high. Ejection was at apogee again, but there was a hang up. This time, the parachute hooked on the rear fin. It was then pulled tight enough by the elastic to stay there. It fell and landed in this position. That landing cause a fin to nearly detach from the body. Repairable.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, I would rate this rocket 3 points. Average to the industry flights (and the size of rocket). I'd sure like to see Custom listen to the same advice that many, many have given to Estes... longer shock cords please. At least double them for your kits.

I give the rocket an OVERALL rating of 4 points. For a quick build, with a neat look due to the paint scheme and decal, this rocket is a nice 18mm longneck. The plastic nose cone is also a nice change from all the balsa ones I've been finishing lately.