I recently acquired an Escape Velocity 2.6, one of Giant Leap Rocketry's "Ready to Fly" kits.  This kit is a 2.56" speedster that includes everything you need other than a motor and launch pad to build and launch your own high powered rocket.

I was awarded this kit as a DESCON 7 prize. The owner of USR was on vacation, but promised it would ship the week he came back. It arrived on my doorstep packed well and with all the parts contained in closed bag.

This rocket is a popular LOC kit for people new to composite motors. I liked the looks of the rocket and was in need for a new kit in that power range (D-G). The Graduator came promptly and packed well, however, the shipping company had still managed to kink the body tube.

Just before Thanksgiving I was discussing motor retention in minimum diameter rockets with Ed Shihadeh at Giant Leap. He was pretty excited about a new product that he was going to introduce after the first of the year. Ed said that this product would cause rocketeers to rethink the way they retain their motors because of two factors.

G-Wiz Partners manufactures rocketry electronics that can be used to collect maximum altitude, control parachute deployment and ignite the motor of a two-stage rocket. With some creative thinking the devices can probably be put to other uses, too, like camera activation upon launch.

At a launch in Orangeburg, S.C. I had the opportunity to evaluate both the new deployment Freebags and the new "Classic II" Skyangle parachute offered by B2 Rocketry. They currently offer their deployment bags in three sizes to fit their line of "Cert-3" main parachutes. (bag sizes 9x11,9x14,and 10x17 inches)

This is a classic Loc kit that is very popular. Many people use it to certify or as their first high power bird. I was drawn to it by it’s large appearance. For someone used to Estes rockets it appears huge. I received it as a Christmas gift and started construction immediately.