BSD High Power Rocketry Sprint

BSD High Power Rocketry - Sprint {Kit}

Contributed by David Dornblaser

Manufacturer: BSD High Power Rocketry
(Contributed - by David Dornblaser - 11/01/00)

Picture is of the Sprint XL (adds payload)
courtesy of BSD Rockets
Rocket Pic

Brief:
BSD Rocketry's Sprint is a single stage, 29 mm, 2.6 diameter, 47 inch long rocket. If you are considering a rocket that will fly on F & G motors and is also sturdy enough to fly on 29 mm H's you should look into BSD's Sprint. The Sprint has very detailed and illustrated instructions, elliptical fins, high quality vinyl decals, and, a motor retainer.

[Editor's Note: The 2.6" Diameter Version of the Sprint has been replaced with a 3" Diameter Version (see above)]

Construction:
The component parts are all of good quality. The kits comes with a plastic nose cone, glassine airframe, 3/16 inch plywood fins, a good quality 30 inch nylon parachute, high quality vinyl decals, and, high quality hardware including a Kaplow Klip style motor retainer.

The first thing that one notices is the instructions. The instructions are the most detailed and complete that I have seen in a mid or high-power rocket kit. The instructions include numerous photographs that clearly show how to build the rocket. If you are new to rocketry or would like to be guided through the construction process, these instructions are for you. Because I knew that I was going to be writing a review of this rocket I followed the instructions with only one minor deviation. I deviated from the instructions only by installing the fins one at a time and not all three simultaneously. I am a creature of habit. The kit includes a Fin Alignment Guide that most people will find very useful.

This rocket comes standard with a Kaplow Klip style motor retainer. Installation of this system was a breeze. Because of the quality of the component parts and the inclusion of the motor retainer this rocket can be flown in its stock form as a Level 1 certification rocket. I was impressed on how strong the rocket was after construction. I am also impressed that the rocket is light enough for decent flights on F & G motors (See RockSim file).

Finishing:
The instructions include a detailed section on how to finish the rocket. The prototype that BSD shows on their website is painted in purple and black. I have painting most of my rockets in a purple so I choose red and bright yellow for this rocket. The kit includes high quality vinyl decals. Many people will want to use these. The Sprint can be seen on BSD's website. The rocket looks great with its elliptical fins contrasting with the airframe.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
I have not yet flown the Sprint. Please check back with the review and I will post the flight evaluations and pictures soon. I am planning on flying the rocket on a G40-7 and a H128-M. The thirty inch nylon parachute should be perfect for this size and weight of rocket.

Summary:
Although I have not yet flown this rocket I have no doubt that it will give a stable flight on G40-7s and H128-Ms. This rocket compliments my existing fleet well by being light enough to fly on smaller fields on Fs & Gs while being strong enough to handle a small H for high-power launches. This kit offers is a great value, particularly to new rocketeers by offering not only a sturdy rocket but detailed and illustrated instructions and a motor retainer. At only $32.99, this rocket is a real value.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • BSD High Power Rocketry Sprint By Jason Vennard

    Brief: This is the newest version of BSD Rocketry's Sprint. Larger in size, 3" diameter by nearly 58" long. Three elliptical fins and an approximately 11" payload section. Made for mid and high power loads, a nicely versatile rocket. Construction: The kit includes pre-cut and sanded 3/16" aircraft quality plywood fins, high strength airframe tube and coupler, ...

Flights

Comments:

avatar
M.B. (March 21, 2005)
I like this rocket, very stable and straight flight every time. Really beautiful flights on H motors. I would recommend this rocket to anyone that wants to fly high power. Great for level one. But good luck getting any help or replacement parts from BSD. It will take a while.

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