Estes Patriarch (RTF)

Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]

Contributed by Mitch Marchi

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

Brief:
"Ready to Fly" kit.

Construction:
Three clear plastic fins and some great decals give this model a realistic look like the Patriot missile. It has a plastic engine mount with an engine retainer ring, not a hook. Typical Estes elastic shock cord and plastic chute.

The only step required was to attach the parachute to the shock cord. Instructions were good and easy to follow. Nothing extra required to complete the rocket.

Finishing:
This rocket has great looks. The decal is highly detailed and very colorful. "Old school" Estes black and yellow parachute too!

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The instructions had great details about how to prep the rocket and have a successful flight. Perfect for a beginner. The engine is retained with a 1/2 turn screw-on cap. Very easy to use.

Flights were very nice and straight. On a C engine, I had a better chute ejection with a 3 second delay than the 5 second that is recommended. With a 5 second delay, the rocket was past apogee when the chute popped although I don't think that there would be a danger of zippering the BT.

On the last flight, the rocket actually landed standing. Very cool!

Recovery:
Recovery was very good, and the chute is correctly sized for the rocket. Typical in Estes kits, I believe that the elastic shock cord will get burnt and break eventually. As long as you don't skimp on the wadding, this rocket will last a long time!

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is a great rocket to get someone interested in rocketry. It is easy and fun to use and has a nice, visible flight profile. It doesn't go too high, and recovery shouldn't be an issue. I had as much fun with this rocket as my scratch built ones!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Estes Patriarch (RTF) By Dick Stafford (May 24, 2008)

    Brief: This is a RTF model that resembles a Patriot missile with clear fins. It flies on 18mm motors and includes a twist-lock motor retainer. Construction: None, it's RTF. My son found this rocket so I didn't even have to attach the chute. I'll rate it a '5' even though Estes did the work. Finishing: None needed, but it looks great. Construction Rating: 5 out of ...

Flights

ID
Date
Flyer
Rocket
Kit
Motors
Altitude
Action
73839
2020-05-02 photo
Bill Eichelberger
Estes - Patriarch
Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]
B6-4
300 Feet
list
73076
2019-04-25
Nick Hutton
Original white rocket
Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]
B6-4
-
list
73078
2019-04-25
Nick Hutton
Original white rocket
Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]
C6-5
-
list
67282
2014-07-25 photo
Bill Eichelberger
Estes - Patriarch
Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]
B6-4
300 Feet
list
66664
2014-03-31
Bud
Patriarch
Estes - Patriarch {Kit} (1895) [2006-2008]
C6-5
-
list
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of
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