Brief:
Basic two-stage model rocket using CHAD staging with streamer recovery.

Construction:
The packaging includes BT-7 (18mm) airframe, BNC-7 nose cone, Screw Eye, six 1/16" plywood fins (booster and sustainer), shock cord/shock cord mount, streamer, launch lug, instructions, and report on Clustering and Staging.

If you've built any two-stage rocket before you could build this kit. The instructions are concise and to the point. If this is your first two-stage kit the instructions might be too concise leaving you with a few questions. But all-in-all the instructions and diagrams are adequate for this skill level 1 - 2 kit.

Finishing:
The average builder should have no problems putting this kit together. One thing this kit does not include is a motor block for the sustainer. I would suggest adding one so an 18mm motor extends 1/4" beyond the rear of the airframe. This kit does include 1/16" plywood fins which I happen to like. Although it may add slightly more weight to the finished model, I like the durability of plywood and it is certainly easier to finish/paint. The kit is supposed to include a decal but mine did not.

Construction Rating: 3 out of 5

Flight:
I flew this rocket as a single stage for the first flight with a friction fit B4-4 motor and a 12" sport parachute for recovery. I used this configuration for my NARTREK Bronze parachute duration requirement and had a flight time of 79 seconds. The second flight was the standard two-stage configuration using a B6-0 in the booster and an A8-5 in the sustainer with streamer recovery. The CHAD staging worked perfectly and the flight was straight up with a safe recovery. I used this flight for my NARTREK Bronze Two-Stage Flight requirements.

[NOTE: I believe this kit could help you meet 3 of the 4 NAR NARTREK Bronze requirements: Streamer Duration, Parachute Duration and Two-Stage Flight.

Recovery:
The kit is designed for streamer recovery and I would recommend this for most flights. I used a 12" sport parachute for the single stage flight only to meet the NARTREK Bronze parachute duration requirement.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
The Record Breaker is fairly easy to put together and flies well on the recommended motors (be sure to use shorter delays for single stage flights). Streamer recovery is preferred for most flights although you can use a small parachute for single stage flights if you prefer (but is not included in kit). I think the kit should include an engine block for the sustainer and again mine did not come with a decal. I would recommend the Record Breaker for anyone looking for a simple two-stage kit that is durable enough to hold up for many flights.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5