(04/10/02) I had designed my own PVC Pipe Launch pad with removable legs (that reassembled in to a rod holder) and used it for a little over 3 years. It was a fine design and met all of my rocketry needs, until last year. Last year is when I shifted toward using Blacksky Rail systems. So what? Well, the extra weight of the rails when combined with my larger rockets put the center of gravity too high. This was noticed at a time of a launch where the rocket came off the pad at a bad angle because the pad tipped upon initial thrust.

The Wasp pad, according to Yellow Jacket, is designed to be "small and light enough for model rockets but strong and stable enough for small HPR rockets up through low H impulse--and everything in-between. Perfect for mid-power E through G powered rockets." This was exactly what I was looking for and I wanted it to be able to accept my Blacksky rail. The Wasp accepts 1/8" to 3/8" diameter rods and comes with 3 adaptors (3/16", 1/4" and 3/8") to keep the smaller rods centered and held tight in the pad (Note: I use the 3/16" on a 1/8" rod, however, YJ now offers a 1/8" as a special order). It also comes with instructions for converting your Blacksky Rail to be used in the Wasp pad. Not a big deal, just a change from the 1/4" mount to a 3/8" mount.

One of my other concerns in purchasing a pad was its size. I just couldn't tell from the Yellow Jacket's webpage how this thing broke down. A note out there on RMR got me my answer and I went ahead and purchased it. The Wasp's legs fold together into a straight section and the launch pad's head is removable. This allows it to fit in the trunk of my car with no problem.

While on RMR, I found these comments:

• "Hey guys, I recently purchased a WASP pad from Jim and it's a real piece of work. It's really INCREDIBLE. In my opinion this is one of the nicest pads you can buy for the money. Get one while you can! -Todd "Proud WASP owner" Harrison"
• ". . . but you can get a MUCH nicer pad from Jim Ball at Yellow Jacket Launch Systems. Take a look at the Wasp at http://www.yellowjacketsystems.com It's built like a tank! -Kevin"
• "Indeed, the WASP is top notch. I have a RocketVision Porta Pad but if I didn't, I'd have a WASP . . . -- R. J. Talley"

Launch angle adjustment is simple, too. Called the "elevation" in Yellow Jackets' picture, it is adjustment by simply turning the mechanism. Yellow Jacket says that this ". . . is fitted with precision steel self lubricating ball-joint rod ends. No plastic parts or cheap swing bolts here." There is a pull-pin on this assembly for tilting down the rod to load a rocket, too.