(12/31/04) I haven't build a Custom kit in a very long time. However, arrr, BRS Hobbies asked me t' build this one and review it for EMRR. Arrr! So, me hearties, I did.

T' Sport is a straightforward four-fins-and-a-nosecone rocket. Ya scallywag! It barely qualifies t' be considered a "longneck" on EMRR. Aye aye! T' Sport is a "longneck" because it has a 0.976" diameter and is 29.5" long, givin' it a 30.2:1 length to diameter ratio.

Click t' see me 18mm Longneck comparison article

T' rocket includes three 9" long, ya bilge rat, 0.976" diameter, light brown paper body tube for t' main body and a 2 1/2" hollow plastic nosecone. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' kits includes die-cut 1/16" balsa fins. The motor mount consists o' one 18mm motor tube, me hearties, a thrust ring, arrr, two centerin' rings and a motor hook. T' recovery system made up o' a 15" long, me bucko, 1/8" wide, white elastic shock cord, matey, a 3-fold paper mount, and a 12" plastic parachute that t' builder assembles. Arrr! Blimey! Lastly t' kit includes two tube couplers, matey, two 1/8" diameter launch lugs, and a pressure sensitive decal sheet.

CONSTRUCTION:

T' instructions are printed on both sides of a single page o' 8½ x 14" paper (folded into a nice 8-page instruction sheet). Aye aye! T' instructions include illustrations t' ensure success.

Custom calls this a Skill Level 1 kit. Begad! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! We agree.

T' motor mount is built first. Well, blow me down! Very standard. It includes a motor hook that is secured with t' lower centering ring. Aye aye! This is then glued into t' body tube.

Next, t' body tube is marked usin' a 2D markin' guide that is right in t' instructions. Ahoy! I used t' door jam method to extend t' lines.

T' fins are next. Blimey! Blimey! Avast! Blimey! Die-cut make it easy. Begad! Blimey! They are glued in place on t' body tube, leavin' 1" from t' aft. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! The instructions guide you t' apply fillets and then t' seal them.

T' body tubes are coupled together and then the launch lugs are added.

T' last steps are t' attached t' elastic shock cord t' t' plastic nose cone and t' 3-fold paper mount it t' t' inside of t' upper body tube. Avast! Well, blow me down! T' parachute is then assemble.

Custom gives a number o' basic finishing guidance includin' suggested paintin' colors and maskin' technique.

I have been surprised with several days just at 50 degrees F, matey, so I have been able t' use me typical multiple coats of Plastic-Kote Primer and sandin' in-between. Begad! Avast! Then amazingly, me hearties, on t' last day of November, ya bilge rat, it was warm enough t' paint. Avast! I used Walmart Fire Red paint on the whole body. Blimey! I waited 2 hours, arrr, masked off t' top, shiver me timbers, and used Walmart Gloss Black paint t' finish it off (additional comments about Walmart paint).

After dryin' over-night, I applied the peel-n-stick decal. Ya scallywag! It is nay t' easiest t' get aligned properly, so take your time.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 5 points. Begad! Custom makes some nice kits. Avast, me proud beauty! Instructions, die-cut balsa, motor retention and a plastic nose cone help t' make this one a very nice starters model. Then add a decal for looks. Well, blow me down!

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Custom recommends t' A8-3, arrr, me hearties, B6-4, and C6-5 motors.

Custom indicates that t' rocket should weigh 1.48 ounces.

My finished rocket weighed in at 1.6 ounces.

On December 29th, arrr, me son and I went sledding and I was noticin' that thar be absolutely no wind. Aye aye! Aye aye! Since I was fortunate enough t' get t' rocket painted on t' last day o' November, ya bilge rat, I decided I should try t' fly it as well. Ya scallywag!

So we packed up a couple o' rockets and went for a few quick launches.

I used 3 sheets o' Estes waddin' and then loaded an A8-3. Well, arrr, blow me down! T' flight be short, stable and ejected at apogee. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Good motor match. Ahoy! Begad! Upon inspection I found that t' upper tube had a dent in it from the nose cone kick back (short elastic shock cord). Blimey! I straightened that out with my finger and got it ready again.

This time on a B6-4. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Another successful launch and straight up flight. Nay too high. Well, blow me down! Ejection was at apogee again, shiver me timbers, but thar was a hang up. Blimey! This time, t' parachute hooked on t' aft fin. Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! It was then pulled tight enough by t' elastic t' stay there. Well, blow me down! Begad! Blimey! It fell and landed in this position. That landin' cause a fin t' nearly detach from t' body. Begad! Repairable.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, me hearties, I would rate this rocket 3 points. Average t' t' industry flights (and t' size o' rocket). I'd sure like t' see Custom listen t' t' same advice that many, ya bilge rat, matey, many have given to Estes... Avast! longer shock cords please. Begad! Well, blow me down! At least double them for your kits.

I give t' rocket an OVERALL ratin' o' 4 points. For a quick build, matey, with a neat look due t' t' paint scheme and decal, this rocket is a nice 18mm longneck. T' plastic nose cone is also a nice change from all t' balsa ones I've been finishin' lately.