LOC/Precision Cool-Spool (RTF)

LOC/Precision - Cool-Spool {Kit}

Contributed by Al Gloer

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar_border
Manufacturer: LOC/Precision
Skill Level: 1
Style: RTF, Spool
LOC/Precision Cool Spool

Brief:
The first commercially available ready to fly (RTF) 29mm spool rocket.

Construction:
It's RTF, so there really are not any parts. I mean really ready to fly. Just stick in a motor, stuff in some wadding and parachute, and fly.

It's well made. I mean how do you mess up a wire spool and some decals? There is an integral 29mm motor mount with a spring clip style motor retention. A basic LOC nylon parachute is attached to the other end. The instructions state that the system is designed around the AT RMS and the 29-40/120 is a perfect fit. The Cool Spool ships with a spacer for use with shorter motors. There is also a large cardboard ring that will serve as a stand.

One thing I found mildly frustrating was the with the built in motor retention.

Finishing:
Unless you count taking it out of the bag as "finishing", there ain't much to talk about here...

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
This was one of the first public launches of the Cool Spool. I did not have one of the AT reloads available so I chose a Roadrunner F60-4. I expect because of the very draggy design and the fact that there is a parachute, using the shortest delay possible is advisable.

LOC/Precision Cool Spool Launch off the pad was quick and as would be expected for a spool. I mean it's about as aerodynamic as a brick. I figure the flight was about 250 to 300 feet. As soon as the thrust stopped, it arced over and the parachute deployed.

Recovery:
The retention system was somewhat incompatible with the built in thrust ring provided by Roadrunner. A few moments with a Dremel on the thrust ring and I was all set. I dropped a bit of dog barf above the motor and more or less stuffed the parachute into the end.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
It's an RTF spool rocket. While the challenge here is zero, it's just a spot of fun. If you like oddrocs and want something to amuse the other fliers, this would be a great add to your fleet.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Flights

Comments:

avatar
M.F.S. (May 4, 2009)
I used a G80-4T for my first flight. The flight was stable and relatively straight. I was really pleased with the performance of the Spool with the G80. The only negative was that it took a bit of time to find it in the knee high barley at our launch site.

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