Reviews : Aerotech HV Arcas Kit

This was my first time dealing with a Mid-Power rocket kit. I chose the ARCAS kit based on reviews from others that had nothing but good things to say regarding the quality of the materials used and the attention to detail. Upon opening the box and putting your hands on the parts, the quality becomes apparent. All parts are easily identified using the supplied instruction manual which also includes easy to follow drawings and explanations. Like I said, this was my first time building a rocket from a kit, let alone a mid power, and I did not have any issues with assembly, other than the occasional part needing some sanding for a good fit. The whole thing took me about two days (due to 2 young children) but could easily be done in a day. After finishing assembly, I'm having a hard time keeping my hands off it, the rocket is Solid. There is not a flimsy part on this baby and feels like it could handle a rougher than usual landing. As a first time builder or a seasoned vet, it would be tough to find a better kit for the price that is as high quality and as good looking as this one is.

The HV Arcas is a very nice mid-power kit. The build is pretty simple and can be completed using just medium CA glue. Take your time cutting the fin can. The instructions suggest a hobby knife, but I found that to be the wrong tool. After drawing the lines on the can, draw them on the inside as well, then cut through the inside with a sharp kitchen knife. That's the only part of the build where I deviated from the instructions. At a height of 56this is a substantial rocket. For paint I used a couple of coats of Dupli-Color 2 in 1 hi-build gray primer, followed by 2 coats of Dupli-Color White Sandable Primer. (this combination helped fill the spiral grooves on the body tube. For color, I used Bupli-Color Red Metal Specks paint, along with Testors White Lightning lacquer. It turned out very well. All of these paints and primers are lacquer based. Hobbylinc has the Testors, and the Dupli-Color primers and paints are found at auto parts stores. (Napa, O'Reilly's etc). Craig

Highly recommended, long, straight flyer. This was my second Aerotech rocket. It's got all the good qualities of Aerotech's kits: Molded plastic fins, fin-lock system, exhaust cooling mesh, and sturdy components, all well-fitting. It's an impressive flyer on F motors. I used to use F25-6's, but F20's or F32's also do a good job at our new range. My HV ARCAS went through a refurbishment after being lost up in a tree for about 4 months (poor thing!) I checked on it at a later launch and discovered that the shock cord had stretched out enough that I could grab the lower body with a pole, and then was able to pull the rest down, too. Dried it out and replaced part of the payload section, and can still fly it today, even though it looks a little tattered... The good news is that I now have a second Aerotech HV ARCAS kit with a new screw-on retainer, and am thinking about making a upscale model, too. More fun ahead!

I have just finished my Arcas build as well as three other Aerotech kits. They all assemble basically the same way with a fantastic through the wall fin attachment method that is difficult to mess up. If you have ever found yourself frustrated trying to get fins straight and stuck on your rockets then these kits are for you. This kit is quite big but still goes together in the same amount of steps as a smaller kit. With a heavy paper body tube and robust plastic fins this kit feels like it will last many flights. This kit is designed to work with the Aerotech 40-120 case so think about picking up the reload kits to keep your cost down per flight.

Great first mid-power rocket. I have flown mine six times with six different motors and each one was perfect. After these flights I am pretty much done with black-powdered rockets. I think Aerotech makes a very well designed and durable product. I have purchased three different models from them. But, be sure you understand the build process before you start applying glue to the tight fitting parts. The instructions are okay, but I might be a little critical about detailed instructions (my first engineering job was writing manufacturing instructions for the Space Shuttle's SRBs).

This rocket is a work horse! It's easy to build, good size and a fun rocket. I flew it over the weekend on G and H motors and all were good flights every time. I added a 9 parachute protector to mine and a swivel for the chute. Having this rocket in your arsenal is a must. Get it

Puts on a nice steady stable flight and looks realistic. A must model to have.Great impressive flight on an F20 motor

motor retention and rail guides included such a deal