Estes Optima

Estes - Optima {Kit} (2035) [1990-1994]

Contributed by Eric Fletcher

Diameter: 2.60 inches
Manufacturer: Estes
Skill Level: 3
Style: Sport
Estes - Optima
(Contributed - by Eric Fletcher ) 

Height - 43"
Width - 2.56"
Weight - 17oz
Motor - 24mm

Brief
This is an Estes single stage rocket t' be flown on D size engines. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down!

Construction
T' kit came in a hangin' box display and was packaged very well. All t' parts were intact. Begad! I think it was manufactured before they had skill levels on the box. Blimey! But I would say probably a skill level 2. Begad! T' tube couplers were nay quite long enough t' keep t' body tubes straight. Begad! As long as you keep an eye on them while gluin' thar be no problem.

Finishing
T' kit be painted with standard krylon paint. Ya scallywag! Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! And t' decals went on very nicely. All in all it is a very good lookin' rocket. Avast, me proud beauty!

Flight
T' first flight be on a D12-7 and t' delay be t' long. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! It opened on t' way down, ya bilge rat, arrr, and thar be no damage. Ya scallywag! T' second flight was on an E30-4 and it flies great. Begad! Opened at apogee perfectly. I have had at least 20 flights without a single problem. Aye aye! Arrr!

I am plannin' on tryin' F24-7 and F39-10 Aerotech reloads. Well, blow me down! Well, blow me down!

Recovery
I did nay use t' supplied shock cord. Blimey! I used 1/8" elastic cord about 5' long epoxied a loop t' t' inside o' t' tube. Ahoy! I also made me own rip stop nylon chute. Begad! 24" with a 2" spill hole. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, blow me down! It floats down really nice. I have never had any damage on this rocket. Begad!

Summary
Overall I would say that this is a great kit. Well, blow me down! If you can find it, me hearties, ya bilge rat, it is well worth building. Well, blow me down! Begad! It was kind o' on t' pricy side but for t' number o' flights I have had it is very reasonable. T' only thin' I would change is t' have the body couplers a little longer. Aye aye!

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

Flights

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