Description
- A BIG rocket that is great for very small launch fields.
- Flies to over 1,000 Feet on an “E” size rocket engine.
- Skill Level: 2 – Previous Experience Suggested, but Not Required.
- Length: 45.0″ (114.3 cm), Diameter: 2.600″ (66 mm)
- Weight (without motor): 10.0 oz (283.5 gm)
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GB –
The GOOD: This rocket is marketed on various websites as the biggest rocket you can buy that is still classified as a “model rocket,” which is to say it’s <1# and can be flown on Estes D and E engines. It's definitely the biggest rocket I've ever built. One fin is the size of my hand, the decals are HUGE, and I could probably use the parachute to jump off my roof. The shock cord is kevlar and integrated into the engine mount, not a glorified rubber band glued to the inside of the body tube. The engine mount is supported by 3 rings, not 2, so it's pretty beefy. The instructions even tell you NOT to use an E9 engine as they don't have enough thrust to make the rocket stable on liftoff. We'll see though, since E9's have already been purchased specifically for this rocket.
The LESS GOOD: The body tube is certainly longer (after you glue the 2 sections together) but not as hefty as some I’ve received with smaller rockets. Also, it’s not pre-slotted and the fins are not tabbed, so I’m a little fearful of those huge fins breaking easily. Also, the balsa was not of the highest quality. It felt a bit malleable, even after 3 coats of sanding sealer, and I had to use wood filler to fill in some pretty severe pitting on two edges of every fin.
Gonna chalk all this up to Dynastar’s attempts to keep a big rocket light enough to fly on smaller motors though. Nothing an experienced builder couldn’t improve.
Finally, and maybe you figured this out immediately, but I had to read it on the picture/description, it’s called the Grappler because it looks like a grappling hook.