FlisKits Alien8

FlisKits - Alien8 {Kit} (SHX01)

Contributed by Andy Miller

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Diameter: 0.98 inches
Length: 39.00 inches
Manufacturer: FlisKits
Skill Level: 2
Style: Futuristic/Exotic
FlisKits Alien8 (by Shrox)

Brief:
This is an over three feet long single staged rocket with a 16 inch plastic parachute.

Construction:
This kit comes with two body tubes, one coupler, 5 balsa fins and three ping pong balls to cut out. And that's just for starters! There are also two large wing like fins. All of these parts have to be glued on precisely.

The shock cord attachment is a step above the typical Estes-style mount with Kevlar® from the coupler up, attached to elastic outside the tube. I will have to watch the Kevlar® on the tube top at launches I guess (to keep it from zippering).

The instructions were outstanding, very easy to follow, and well illustrated. That said, this kit is not easy to build. No small wonder its classified as a level 3 skill build. Included is a build-it-yourself jig to attach two of the fins at the right angle, but the rest of the parts you are left on your own more or less to get right. And trust me the bigger the fins, the harder that is. This was my first skill level 3 kit and I did a decent job but by no means a perfect job.

Finishing:
The process of painting and applying decals was straightforward: prep, sand, seal, prime, and paint.

The decals were somewhat difficult to apply but I have some troubles with decals.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
Both of the flights were were very straight despite the slight weather cocking on the first flight due to wind. Altitude was between 350 and 400 feet on the C6-5. I used a 12 inch parachute and recovery was perfect , walks were short. All the extra fins and tubes, and nose cone all stayed on. This was a baked dry corn field, so that says something for the quality of the materials.

Recovery:
The shock cord attachment is superior to paper glued to the tube wall, as what is found with most small model rockets. I think the Kevlar® hanging out of the tube then having elastic attached there might risk cutting the tube at the first launch, but that remains to be seen. I would have preferred the Kevlar® to stay inside the tube with the flat elastic against the tube lip.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Overall, I'd highly recommend this kit to anyone who is up to a skill level three kit , but not to any one who is not. There is a lot of fin surfaces that require alignment to be as close as possible. Also you will be asked to cut holes in ping pong balls, sounds easy, it isn't. I'd rate this kit as a 5 out of 5 overall, a real challenge for those tired of three fins and a nose cone.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • FlisKits Alien8 By Joe Policy

    Brief: A totally unique looking skill level 3 rocket designed by Shrox and sold by FlisKits. It even includes ping pong balls as a design feature! It's a great flyer and a rocket that people will take notice of at any launch. Construction: The kit includes: 2 NCB-50AB nose cone, balsa 2 BT-50-18 body tube, 18" 1 BT-50-04 body tube, 4" 1 BT-20-0275 body ...

Flights

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