| Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
| Published: | 2015-10-19 |
| Diameter: | 1.64 inches |
| Length: | 27.00 inches |
| Manufacturer: | Estes  |
| Skill Level: | 2 |
| Style: | Futuristic/Exotic |
Brief
This is a review of the NEW Estes Solar Warrior kit #3225. This kit has nothing in common with its predecessor kit #0895 [1991-1995] other than name and manufacturer. Somebody at Estes didn't do their homework when naming this rocket and it's too bad they didn't come up with a better name (like say Solar or Galactic Torpedo). Other than that this is a great 24mm kit that features 8 fins with unique styling. Also features a plastic tailpiece along with plastic NC and plastic parachute.
Estes - Solar Warrior (24mm)
Components
Considering that this kit comes in a plastic bag, and it was one of three kits that came in a mail order that I made from Estes, all parts were undamaged and of standard Estes quality. There were only two tubes. The main body tube and the motor mount tube. There are two sheets of balsa wood that contain all the fin parts along with a fin guide. One of the balsa sheets had some light laser burns on the parts as was the case with the card stock used for the centering rings. One thing I have noticed in the recent kits that I have purchased is the use of different grades of balsa glued together to form a sheet. I assume this is because they are now made in China where quality is not as important. I miss the higher quality U.S.A. made kits. My other complaint is of course the recovery system. I wish they included Kevlar and an elastic shock cord instead of the big rubber strip but I suspect that would drive prices even higher.
Oops! Forgot the motor mount tube
Construction
Construction of this rocket was straightforward and the instructions were easy to follow. My only Con: is the standard Estes setup for recovery. This is where I made the first alteration in that I added 24" of 300# Kevlar that I tied around the MM as an anchor point for the recovery system. I also added 5' of 1/4" elastic in place of the rubber shock cord provided. I then took the included "D" hook and replaced it with an "E" hook and built the MM for "E" power as the tube provided was long enough for the conversion. The last modification was to use a glue stick and white printer paper to cover all balsa parts to eliminate wood grain and for added strength. The guide that Estes includes in the balsa wood for proper fin alignment (something I wouldn't mind seeing in more kits) was of great help in gluing the fins together and onto the BT as there is a total of 16 pieces to make up the bottom 4 fins.
Follow this link to read complete build: http://www.rocketreviews.com/solar-warrior-3425.html
Finishing
Finishing was fairly simple. I first sprayed entire rocket with Rust-oleum 2X white primer. Did a light sanding when paint dried then another light coat of primer. Bottom of rocket was then masked off and tailpiece painted a dark grey with Krylon Fusion for plastic Hammered Finish. After giving tailpiece a day to dry it was masked off and lower half of rocket was painted with Krylon Fusion Gloss White. Again after allowing rocket to dry overnight bottom half was masked off and upper half along with NC were painted Rust-oleum Gloss Deep Blue. Rocket was then allowed a day to dry again. The following morning decals were trimmed to size and applied. These went on with no problem. Rocket was then left outside for the afternoon to air dry and then clear coated with my infamous Dupli-Color Clear Effex paint to give it that prismatic look. This is the largest plus. I love the second looks and raised eyebrows I get when I take one of my rockets up to the RSO table. The only Con: is that I probably should quit telling everyone about this paint before everybody starts using it. I've already had several people tell me that they want to try it on their next build.
Solar Warrior glamour shot
Flight
Maiden flight took place at Graves Farm Campgrounds near the south end of Michigan International Speedway. Sky was mostly clear Temp. was in the mid 60's and wind was SW at about 7 mph. Count down was given and when the button was pushed the rocket jumped off the launch pad straight up to close to its predicted 925'. No cons whatsoever. The D12-5 is a perfect choice for this rocket but I can't wait to really air it out on an "E" motor or maybe some 24mm composites.
Solar Warrior on a D12-5
Note: Original Solar Warrior (0895) on pad next to it
Recovery
In preparing this rocket for its maiden flight I cut a 3" spill hole in the parachute. This worked well with the wind conditions as the rocket came down right in front of one of the HP pads. This was the only con as I didn't get a recovery photo. This was due to this being one of two rockets that I had to recover and by the time I got to this one they were ready to launch the high power rocket that it was laying in front of so I asked them to hold for a minute while I did a quick snatch and grab and got out of the way. Upon inspection back at the car I found no damage to it so a perfect maiden flight.
Summary
A Super Performer. If you want to experience mid-power on the cheap but have something that looks and flies great this is an excellent choice if you can catch it before the sale at Estes runs out. Other wise it is still a great investment that is sure to please.
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Flights
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