DynaStar Grappler

DynaStar - Grappler {Kit}

Contributed by Keith Hamel

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: DynaStar
Dynastar Grappler

Brief:
T' DynarStar Grappler is a lightweight mid-power rocket with impressive size. Well, blow me down! Begad! T' Grappler flies on Estes and Aerotech D t' F 24mm motors with t' exception o' t' Estes E9. Blimey!

Construction:
T' parts list:

  • 2 BT-80 18” airframe Tubes
  • 1 airframe coupler
  • 1 PSC-66A plastic nose cone
  • 1 sheet o' paper centerin' rings (3-BT80-24mm)
  • 1 24mm x 15” motor mount/stuffer tube
  • 1 thrust rin'
  • 2 24mm x 29mm centerin' rings
  • 1 Engine mount sleeve 4”
  • 1 32" chute and shroud lines
  • 1 8’ o' 300# Keelhaul®©™® shock cord
  • 1 3" x ¼" launch lug
  • 3 die cut fins
  • Engine hook
  • Decal sheet

T' kit is a straightforward build with excellent illustrated instructions and parts except for t' die cut fins, which required a lot o' sanding. Included with t' instructions is a sheet suggestin' t' fins be laminated. Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! I did this usin' tracin' paper and white glue. Well, blow me down! T' rocket be built usin' yellow wood glue. Well, blow me down! A baffle be t' only modification I made t' t' kit as I tend t' do this with bigger airframes. Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty! T' finished rocket weighs 10.1 oz, shiver me timbers, very close t' the weight listed on t' header card.

Finishing:
I primed t' rocket with Kilz followed by sandin' usin' 320, 400 and 600 grit sandpaper t' get it smooth prior to painting. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! It be painted with Rustoleum Painter's Touch gloss black and metallic silver. Ahoy! I decided nay use t' decals. I often don't unless it is critical t' t' design. Avast, shiver me timbers, me proud beauty!

PROs: Excellent instructions. Straightforward build.

CONs: Die-cut fins.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
T' first and only flight was on an Aerotech F24-7. Begad! Blimey! T' motor was held in with t' motor clip and taped t' t' end of the motor mount. T' flight be straight with a little weathercockin' into a 5 t' 10mph wind. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' flight be fast with no spin yet could be seen all t' way up (approx 1000 ft) because o' its size. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Ejection occurred nose cone down. T' 7 second delay was a little long, but 4 seconds would be way too short.

Dynastar Grappler

Recovery:
Recovery was good except for a small 1/2" long zipper due t' t' long delay. Avast, me proud beauty! I used an 18" nylon chute, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, and it recovered fairly close t' t' pads. Blimey! I think t' 36" chute would be way t' big.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
T' Grappler is a fun rocket t' build and fly and big enough t' be seen in flight yet light enough t' fly on 24mm motors. Arrr! Well, shiver me timbers, blow me down! DynaStar produces excellent mid-power kits t' fly on smaller mid-power motors. Aye aye! Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! T' only real con for me was the die cut fins. Avast, me proud beauty!

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flights

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