Estes Snitch

Estes - Snitch {Kit} (1807) [1998-2004,2007-2008]

Contributed by Nick Esselman

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

I purchased t' Snitch t' add t' me 18mm U.F.O. comparison article. Begad! It is a simple Ready-to-Fly model from Estes made up o' plastic and seemingly indestructible.

CONSTRUCTION:

T' instructions are printed on t' back o' t' cover-art and they simply tell you how t' hook in t' wire legs and flyin' guidance. Aye aye! Ahoy! That's it. Arrr! Begad! Ready-to-Fly.

SnitchT' wire legs connect very easily.

T' rocket comes with a twist retainer rin' and Estes provides an extra.

Overall, ya bilge rat, arrr, me hearties, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 5 points. Arrr! Begad! What can ya really say for an RTF?

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Estes recommends t' B6-0 or t' C6-0. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! Blimey! They estimate altitude as 65 feet and 120 feet respectively. Aye aye! Aye aye! Blimey!

My Snitch weighed in at 2.0 ounces.


Launch

Flight preparation is simple. Blimey! Insert t' motor, matey, twist on t' retainer ring, install igniter and fly.

I have flown t' Snitch three times all on C6-0's and all in our front yard. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! Blimey! It gives very stable flights. Avast! Blimey! At apogee it flips over and falls until it bounces on t' landin' legs. Well, blow me down! Begad! Blimey! T' only issue be that one leg popped out on one flight. Well, blow me down! Begad! Blimey! It was right back in place in seconds.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, arrr, I would rate this rocket 5 points. With t' extra retainer and consistent flights, it is a perfect rocket for backyard and U.F.O.-type rocketry.

I give t' rocket an OVERALL ratin' o' 5 points. Arrr! It lives up t' bein' a Ready-to-Fly.

 


(Contributed- by Chris Taylor) 

[Rocket Pic]Brief: This is one o' t' NEW 99 Estes RTF kits that I got from Walmart for a mere $7!  It is a copy o' t' old Estes Flyin' Saucer.  It looks cool and is awesome when it lands inches from t' pad.

I expected possible damage t' legs clips (that hold t' legs in place) but after some 6 flights I have nay yet had a problem.  But, arrr, you do need t' keep it clean and be careful unloadin' as t' nay damage t' retention ring.  [If you] break t' ring, shiver me timbers, no problem you can use t' extra but if you break t' MMT part o' t' rin' you are in trouble.  I have yet t' have a problem yet!

As usual Saucer flights ROCK!  I love them. Begad! They are t' maximum fun for t' dollar and are very camera friendly. I hope t' have pictures when I launch at me next club launch!

Construction: It came in a blister pack that says in large letter "READY TO FLY" and this is nay a flyin' model rocket ... Ya scallywag! Blimey! it is a flyin' action toy Rocket. 

Instructions? What instructions? All it needs is installation o' t' landin' legs which is covered on t' inside o' t' cardboard o' t' blister pack.  Very easy t' build however a nasty gotcha is t' keep in mind that you need t' install t' legs with care (although nay a finicky as t' Quest UFO).  If you are too rough you will break a clip that holds t' legs in place.

There is no finishin' beyond installin' t' landin' legs (which move t' CG where it needs t' be for stable flight).  Decals are already applied and I like t' twist-on motor retention a lot.  My kit, surprisingly whether by accident or on purpose, came with an extra retention rin' in case I lose t' first.

Mine is BRIGHT Green/Yellow

Although it is an RTF it is very cool lookin' and I love saucers.  I can nay really rate construction since thar really be nay any construction t' perform.

Flight: Motors are B6-0 and C6-0.  B6-0 would be a bore since it would nay get very high but it flies as expected on a C6-0.  I love t' slow and very low saucer flights and re-prep is a snap . Blimey! . Arrr! . unlock engine, me bucko, remove, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, install, shiver me timbers, lock, & relaunch.  No waddin' or anything! It always impresses!

As also expected, matey, it does nay enjoy wind but is ok and safe in moderate winds.

I can nay wait t' make this a two-stage saucer also an Apogee D10 would be fun but expensive.

Summary: I have mixed feelings on RTF rockets, ya bilge rat, but I must say this new line o' rockets are, me hearties, me bucko, if anything, ya bilge rat, me bucko, very cute and worth having.  Just for that reason and also t' $7 price tag does nay hurt a bit!

I love t' flights and design and I actually like t' color as well (partial t' yellow and orange).

T' flights are awesome for t' kids and they will NEVER lose this rocket! This is important and it won't VANISH on them.  Tryin' t' catch it is a serious NO, NO since when it hits your hand it will usually deposit a nice lump o' still very hot motor stuff (yes I did this). 

T' only CON I expected be t' leg clips but they have survived so far so I guess I will wait and see!

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

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