Estes Patriarch (RTF)

Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]

Contributed by Mitch Marchi

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Estes
Estes Patriarch

Brief:
"Ready t' Fly" kit.

Construction:
Three clear plastic fins and some great decals give this model a realistic look like t' Patriot missile. Begad! Avast! It has a plastic engine mount with an engine retainer ring, nay a hook. Typical Estes elastic shock cord and plastic chute. Arrr!

T' only step required was t' attach t' parachute t' t' shock cord. Begad! Instructions were good and easy t' follow. Nothin' extra required t' complete t' rocket.

Finishing:
This rocket has great looks. T' decal is highly detailed and very colorful. Ya scallywag! Avast, me proud beauty! "Old school" Estes black and yellow parachute too!

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' instructions had great details about how t' prep t' rocket and have a successful flight. Arrr! Blimey! Blimey! Perfect for a beginner. T' engine is retained with a 1/2 turn screw-on cap. Ahoy! Aye aye! Blimey! Very easy t' use.

Estes Patriarch Flights were very nice and straight. On a C engine, me bucko, ya bilge rat, I had a better chute ejection with a 3 second delay than t' 5 second that is recommended. Arrr! Begad! With a 5 second delay, t' rocket was past apogee when t' chute popped although I don't think that thar would be a danger o' zipperin' t' BT. Well, blow me down!

On t' last flight, t' rocket actually landed standing. Very cool!

Recovery:
Recovery be very good, and t' chute is correctly sized for t' rocket. Typical in Estes kits, I believe that the elastic shock cord will get burnt and break eventually. Begad! As long as you don't skimp on t' wadding, this rocket will last a long time!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great rocket t' get someone interested in rocketry. Avast! Blimey! It is easy and fun t' use and has a nice, visible flight profile. Ahoy! It doesn't go too high, and recovery shouldn't be an issue. I had as much fun with this rocket as my scratch built ones!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Patriarch (RTF) By Dick Stafford (May 24, 2008)

    Brief: This is a RTF model that resembles a Patriot missile with clear fins. It flies on 18mm motors and includes a twist-lock motor retainer. Construction: None, it's RTF. My son found this rocket so I didn't even have to attach the chute. I'll rate it a '5' even though Estes did the work. Finishing: None needed, but it looks great. Construction Rating: 5 out of ...

Flights

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