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. Begad!

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

Finishing
T' kit be painted with standard krylon paint. Well, blow me down! And t' decals went on very nicely. Begad! All in all it is a very good lookin' rocket. Aye aye! Begad!

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

I am plannin' on tryin' F24-7 and F39-10 Aerotech reloads. Avast! Ya scallywag!

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

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

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out o' 5

Flights

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