Reddit mentions: The best model rockets

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.

I recently turned 17 and I like aerospace and computer science so I think this question is basically made for me haha. Anyway here's a few suggestions:

• Arduino Starter Kit (Amazon, $60). Arduino is a great platform for learning the basics of computer science, electrical engineering, and programming. It's a great learning tool for younger people. I first used it in a class when I was 15 and I've used it for projects for the past 2ish years. Definitely would recommend this for interest in comp sci.
  
  
• Quadcopter (Amazon, $40). Not strictly as educational as the Arduino, but fun to play with. We used these in my aerospace class. It's just fun to fly it around, do tricks, race them, etc. If he's interested, he could try learning about the functionality and dynamics of how it flies and how it moves.
  
  
• Kerbal Space Program (Steam, $40). This is a "game" where you design, build, and fly rockets and planes. I put game in quotes because it's a fairly realistic simulator, but it still has game-y elements like setting objectives for the player and rewarding you for certain actions. This is the game that got me into aerospace initially so I would highly recommend this if he doesn't have it yet.
  
  
• Model Rocket (Amazon, $25). These are just plain fun to launch. We also did these in my aerospace class, although they weren't as fancy as this one. I'd also recommend buying extra engines so you can launch them again after recovery. Also, don't launch them on a windy day because they will travel really far.
  
  That's all I can think of off the top of my head. They're all sorta educational, sorta fun if he likes that stuff. Hope that helped!

I am but haven't launched anything since I was a kid. I would get a Starter Kit and a packs of A engines. A engines don't go as high so it is easier to track the rocket until you can learn it's personality. I also like to keep extra parachutes on hand and they tend to wear out kinda fast.

they had one years ago but nice to see a high end one.

But the Bandai Tamashii Nations Otona No Chogokin is still the best Saturn V IMO Dicast, fully staged and stackable.

again. ONLY PLASTICS need to be breakable. breakable is listed NO WHERE ELSE and breakable is not listed by congress. so again you are wrong.

NO commanche. 2800ft.

I don't have to show you a class one that can reach 4000ft. you don't get to set terms (a class one can reach 5000ft btw not hard just stuff a G12 into it)

I only have to show you they can pass 400ft your mythical they become dangerous altitude.

NTSB does not get a say. FAA does not get a say. CONGRESS is the boss.

what part of "no part of this may be construed to regulate model hobby recreational aircraft is unclear to you?

FAA is not trying to limit my models. it is trying to limit the number and danger of MASS COMMERCIAL DRONES.

not hobby drones.

if my drone damages your airplane CORRECT I am liable for the damages caused to that aircraft. no one is questioning that so why are you mentioning it?

we are talking about the FAA regulated hobby drones.

I have SHOWN YOU the existing and the most very current LAW not rules not advisories not guidelines but THE LAW

that very clearly and unambiguously states the FAA HAS NO LEGAL POWER OR LEGAL AUTHORITY OVER MODEL AIRCRAFT.

BTW commanche

http://www.amazon.com/Estes-1382-Comanche-3-Flying-Rocket/dp/B0006NANNU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

flies over 2600ft. I have tracked mine to 2800. I CAN easily make it go higher.

granted a commanche will not damage an airplane.

my machbuster (still legally class 1) will punch a hole straight through your wing and might even keep right on flying.

as for supersonic flight punch a hole through an airplane and clear 5000ft (won't punch a hole at 5000ft but would at 2500 ft no problem)

http://www.rocketreviews.com/rocket-vision-mach-buster-terry-moore-read-5426.html

100% legal class 1 rocket.

In addition to joining the clubs as others have mentioned, Apogee has a ton of great information and videos for people just getting into rocketry.

My advice, start small with an Estes kit. Not one of the plastic ones that you snap together, but one of the ones with the wooden fins that you have to fully assemble. Personally, I like the Hi-Flier. All you need is the kit, some white glue, and patience.

Also, look for recommendations on Apogee's website or on their excellent Youtube channel.

this one, just because I am on a tight budget, and buying everything separately was expensive. Like I said, I am getting a larger one pretty soon.

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

Here is a pattern you can cut out of index cardstock/heavy paper and build for no more than $1-2 in supplies at a local craft store (or which you may already have, or can borrow), plus instructions:

Mignight Express

You'll still need a launcher, and that could be a significant expense (relative to your $30 budget).

 

All told, you're probably better off getting this https://www.amazon.ca/Estes-1427-Flying-without-Engines/dp/B003CT4B0G/ which includes everything but the engine for $33 (find something for $2 to get free shipping if you don't have Amazon Prime).

When I was a kid I had a model rocket I believe was called the payloader, and it had a tube near the top of the cone so you could put stuff in it purely for launching it in a rocket!

Like this, it was made by Quest but the one I had was all white and the payload tube was clear.

Haha I totally had this thing when I was a kid... http://www.amazon.com/Estes-Flying-Rocket-Starter-SNAPSHOT/dp/B0017Q6IN4#customerReviews (it was not $115 in the late 90's when I got it for Christmas...)

It had a tiny fixed camera in the nose cone and when the ejection charge would pop off the nose cone it would pull the shutter open and snap a photo of earth from 500 feet. After 30 launches I'd run that thing to CVS and get the whole roll developed.

And I flew both model rockets and RC planes in urban areas. I just needed a soccer field sized patch of land and to not use the bigger "C" engines. Nobody cared back then, don't know why they do now..

Edit: I also agree that people should be liable for any damages and injuries they cause with any flying object whatever it is, dangerous hobbies mean kids need to be supervised and adults need to be not stupid.

Model rocket ignition circuit or launch controller
https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Aerospace-Rocket-Launch-Controller/dp/B0006N6JN8

Stomp Rockets

Estees makes a flying version
http://www.amazon.ca/Estes-2157-Saturn-Flying-Rocket/dp/B003ODIF34

No, it really isn't.

https://www.amazon.com/Estes-Wizard-Model-Rocket-Launch/dp/B005Z4IBXE/ref=sr_1_18?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1473163441&sr=1-18&keywords=rocket

Flyingmule.com for display models. Not cheap. If you want the 'top of the line' saturn v http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Tamashii-Nations-Vehicle-Chogokin/dp/B002T1G1F6/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1417995259&sr=1-5&keywords=saturn+v

NOT CHEAP - but awesome. I want one sooo bad but can't justify it with the SO.