Estes Sizzler (1906) Starter Set

Estes - Sizzler Starter Set {Launch/Starter Set} (1906)

Contributed by Dick Stafford

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

DescriptionBrief:
After I entered some old flight logs on t' Estes Sizzler, arrr, me bucko, arrr, I decided t' look at t' EMRR review. Blimey! T' me surprise, this was nay t' same kit! T' newer Sizzler was nay merely a re-issue with materials differences, shiver me timbers, it was larger (BT-60 vs. Arrr! BT-50), had a different fin design, arrr, matey, and used aft ejection vs. Begad! standard NC ejection.

Click to EnlargeConstruction:
T' original Sizzler (#1906) be a basic 3FNC Skill level 1 rocket. I bought mine in 1987 as part o' a starter set - me first act as a BAR. Blimey! T' attached pics provide a good description o' t' rocket (click picture on left t' enlarge). Arrr! I really loved t' looks o' t' original. Blimey! Originally, mine looked like t' ads - now it is fairly flight worn.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
I flew this rocket many many times times on A's, shiver me timbers, B's, C's, me hearties, and one D It has landed on people's roofs and a ledge o' a nearby office building. Begad! We were lucky they had scheduled a window cleanin' that weekend (before it rained!). Ahoy! Begad! It survived these flights well, me bucko, with a 12" plastic chute and t' rubber band shock cord. Aye aye! On its last flight, me bucko, I used an Aerotech D21-7 for a really fast take-off. Begad! T' ejection charge burned t' body tube and blistered t' paint. T' tube almost feels like it melted. Aye aye! T' Sizzler is now enjoyin' a happy retirement in me Rocket Ranch. Maybe someday, ya bilge rat, she will see an offsprin' (upscale).

Recovery:
PROs - Flies great on any class o' 18mm engine CONs - Uses a short rubber band shock cord. However, matey, this be typical for all Estes kits back then.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
PROS - It's a good performing, me bucko, basic starter rocket. Avast, me proud beauty! CONS - None noted

I think t' new version is a more interestin' rocket (with aft ejection, shiver me timbers, etc.), but I liked t' overall look o' t' original better. Begad! Aye aye! I think Estes should have issued their rocket under another name, IMHO.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flights

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