Brief:
The DynarStar Grappler is a lightweight mid-power rocket with impressive size. The Grappler flies on Estes and Aerotech D to F 24mm motors with the exception of the Estes E9.

Construction:
The parts list:

• 2 BT-80 18” airframe Tubes
• 1 airframe coupler
• 1 PSC-66A plastic nose cone
• 1 sheet of paper centering rings (3-BT80-24mm)
• 1 24mm x 15” motor mount/stuffer tube
• 1 thrust ring
• 2 24mm x 29mm centering rings
• 1 Engine mount sleeve 4”
• 1 32" chute and shroud lines
• 1 8’ of 300# Kevlar® shock cord
• 1 3" x ¼" launch lug
• 3 die cut fins
• Engine hook
• Decal sheet

The kit is a straightforward build with excellent illustrated instructions and parts except for the die cut fins, which required a lot of sanding. Included with the instructions is a sheet suggesting the fins be laminated. I did this using tracing paper and white glue. The rocket was built using yellow wood glue. A baffle is the only modification I made to the kit as I tend to do this with bigger airframes. The finished rocket weighs 10.1 oz, very close to the weight listed on the header card.

Finishing:
I primed the rocket with Kilz followed by sanding using 320, 400 and 600 grit sandpaper to get it smooth prior to painting. It was painted with Rustoleum Painter's Touch gloss black and metallic silver. I decided not use the decals. I often don't unless it is critical to the design.

PROs: Excellent instructions. Straightforward build.

CONs: Die-cut fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
The first and only flight was on an Aerotech F24-7. The motor was held in with the motor clip and taped to the end of the motor mount. The flight was straight with a little weathercocking into a 5 to 10mph wind. The flight was fast with no spin yet could be seen all the way up (approx 1000 ft) because of its size. Ejection occurred nose cone down. The 7 second delay was a little long, but 4 seconds would be way too short.

Recovery:
Recovery was good except for a small 1/2" long zipper due to the long delay. I used an 18" nylon chute, and it recovered fairly close to the pads. I think the 36" chute would be way to big.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
The Grappler is a fun rocket to build and fly and big enough to be seen in flight yet light enough to fly on 24mm motors. DynaStar produces excellent mid-power kits to fly on smaller mid-power motors. The only real con for me was the die cut fins.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5