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. Avast! Blimey!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

Flights

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