Reddit mentions: The best model rocket kits

I got started with friends, just going out and launching some kits a friend had built. Then I thought I should get my own to have some time, in case we did it again. I meant to just get a few pre-made rockets so I wouldn't have to do any building or mess anything up.

I went on Amazon, and saw a rocket called Der Red Max by Estes - it's in this video several times. It's a classic Estes rocket that's red and black and styled a bit like the Red Baron's airplane. It was so cool looking, and was only 17 bucks, but it required assembly - something I was nervous about. But they only had one left, so I bought it, carefully read the instructions, and put it together, and it turned out looking beautiful. Once I launched it, and it worked and flew so well, I was hooked.

From there, I started reading stuff online. There is a TON of information and resources out there. A good website to ask questions is The Rocketry Forum (TRF) - especially the beginner's section. There are a lot of experts there who will help you out.

There are lots of ways to start, but I recommend starting by getting something called a launch set or launch kit. With this, you get a rocket (or two), plus a launch pad and launch controller for less than you'd pay buying these things separately. I didn't have one right away, since I was using a friend's equipment, but I wanted my own, so I got one. I gave the rocket away to a kid who came to a launch, but I still have the pad and controller.

Several rocket companies, particularly Estes and Quest Aerospace, have these. My own recommendation is to start with Estes, as it's the most prevalent company, and you can get everything you need through them.

You can get an Easy To Assemble ("E2X) or Ready-to-Fly kit, or if you want to do some assembly, you can get what's called a Skill Level 1 kit. These are not difficult, but require a bit of cutting, sanding and gluing, and the ability to read and follow directions.

The Launch Kit gives you everything you need to get started except motors - sometimes called "engines" (doesn't matter - they make the rocket go up) - and recovery wadding. You'll need some of that (there's other stuff you can use - cheaper stuff, too, but when you're just getting started, it's the easiest).

Get the kit, follow the instructions, and buy the motors recommended on the package. Read and follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Model Rocket Safety Code. This will help you avoid hurting yourself or someone else, which could put you off the whole thing.

Go out and launch your rockets. Then, when you've inevitably decided you want to do more and know more, check out TRF, and get yourself a copy of The Handbook of Model Rocketry by G. Harry Stine and Bill Stine. It's required reading. Won't tell you much about how to assemble kits - they all come with instructions anyway - but it will help you understand the important basics of the hows and whys of model rockets.

I've got a blog in which I've been detailing my learning process of building and launching rockets over the last six months, and I also try to pass on information to people just getting started - rocketry for beginners by a beginner - so that they can maybe learn from my mistakes. Check it out, if you want to, and send me an email, and I can send you some more information if you'd like.

This is a really fascinating, fun hobby, and there's so much to learn. It can get really sophisticated and amazing - I like to tell my friends "it's not just for Webelos any more."

Edit: Oh, and if you're already past the part of building and launching a couple rockets, then I'd get that book and head straight for TRF - those are the next logical steps, I think.

Edit #2: Here's a more detailed post on launching your first rockets.

Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4Sl8Cb8Y0K0TX

That’s what I have found

Estes is a pretty good company for model rockets but don’t count on me do some more research but this is a basic set ( I think)

Yeah like I said don’t count on me you need engines which are like five bucks for three and a parachute which usually comes and a piece of paper which is used to block the flame from burning up the fairing with the parachute inside

Just do your research it’s a really easy hobby and fun if you attach an altimeter and speedometer with a camera its pretty cool to rewatch your videos and see what you could’ve have done better.

Have fun and great job on quitting weed

If your son likes rockets (it looks like he does!), may I recommend you consider doing some actual rocket building together?

Something like this Is a really awesome starter set for an aspiring model rocket builder. You get the launch pad, the launch controller, and two rockets. You'd need a few engines, igniters (usually come with engines) and fireproof wadding, but you can also get those on amazon or at a hobby store, or even a toystore or walmart usually. One of the rockets is a pretty simple one that is more or less snap together, and then the other is a slightly more complicated one that needs a touch more skill.

The only caveat is you need a pretty big open field to do launching so they don't end up stuck in the tops of trees. I used to go launch mine at the local soccer field complex on days when there were no games.

Pick up one of these. They're super easy to assemble, fly on the low powered A, B, and C engines, and come with a complete launch system. While they may not be much when compared to some of the big stuff, they're still a lot of fun, and can instantly ignite a kid's passion.

Or yours, for that matter. My dad is still just as enthusiastic about rockets as he was when we started 24 years ago.

Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jU5XCb93BAZG0

I’m more about practical learning.. get ur parents to grab something like this and see it for yourself!

Be safe and have fun!

Yeah, that may be difficult. I think the smallest kit I've seen for the Saturn V is the Revel 1/144 one. The "problem" with the Saturn V kits is they are too big because the actual real life Saturn Vs were MASSIVE.

With that being said, have you considered getting your bf an actual model rockets? Something like this: http://smile.amazon.com/Estes-1469-Tandem-X-Launch-Set/dp/B002VLP67S/

edit:

Get a few motors and you should be set. You can probably leave the motors up to your bf though. Also, /r/rocketry can probably help you pick a good kit or two.

I would strongly recommend the Este's Atomic Sky kit, its almost ready to fly and snap together. All you need is a pack of motors, some parachute wadding, and batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/Estes-Atomic-Sky-Launch-Set/dp/B00DRKCKGW

This https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LGXCLI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rkgSDb8XAYH2D is what I had. Looks like you just saved $26!

Posters:

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3D Laser Cut Models

Model Rockets (starting with easiest to make and launch) First Rocket, Second Rocket, Third Rocket, Forth Rocket, and Fifth Rocket.

LEGO City Space Utility Vehicle

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LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V

Videos:

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Moon Machines or watch at YT - this series rocks.

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Its actually a modified Custom Liberty with a Estes Loadstar II upper section/nosecone. Fly's great!

I would love all of this.

I think the entire world needs to send this to the glorious leader.

SpaceX actually sells a Falcon 9 + Dragon model rocket kit on Amazon for $30, with the two parts coming down on separate parachutes: http://www.amazon.com/SpaceX-Falcon-Dragon-Flying-Rocket/dp/B006GX14R8/

Cool, but the Estes version actually flies.

The two rockets we got came in this set. One rocket is supposed to go up about 600 feet, and the other should reach about twice that. The big rocket is about 3 feet tall, and the small one is about 16 inches.

>North Korea launches a satellite into space.

NK media reports: http://imgur.com/UB2XK7h

Actual : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_RG13wbGG80QV0

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006GX14R8

Is this too much rocket for beginners?

https://www.amazon.com/Estes-Tandem-X-Flying-Rocket-Launch/dp/B002VLP67S/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1543033901&sr=1-1&keywords=estes+rocket+starter+kit