In selecting my first High Power Rocket and being a new to HPR, with little knowledge of materials and techniques, I wanted something that was easy to build yet robust enough for my Level 1 certification. I selected the PML Quasar.

The finished Quasar is 56” long, weighs about 2 ½ pounds without motor. The kit comes with all hardware required to complete the rocket, and there are 5 separate instruction sheets!

First out of the bag was the DOs and DON’Ts of Quantum Tube. The tube was pre-slotted and required very little in the way of deburring or other cleanup. As suggested in the DOs section, be sure to rough-up locations on the Quantum tube where you will be applying adhesives to insure a stronger bond.

Next came the instructions for the Kwik-Switch 2000, which has already been reviewed by Todd Harrison here on WildRocketry. My comments on the KS-2000 include only a suggestion that the screw mount alignment be double or triple-checked for fit with the centering rings in place to insure smooth operation before applying the epoxy. The motor tubes are about 14 inches long, and a slight misalignment of the screw mounts make the motor tube assemblies difficult, but not impossible, to install.

I was impressed with the rocket kit itself. Having built kits ranging from plastic models through unlimited class radio control sailplanes over the years, the first thing I noticed about this kit was that all the parts fit together perfectly with virtually no sanding. I was impressed. The payload section is 9” long and includes the eyebolt, nuts and washers and provides enough room for future electronics. The rocket comes with nylon straps for the recovery system and piston ejection. The piston slides very smoothly on the inside surface of the Quantum tube, which seems like it will cause less worry about the piston hanging up at ejection. I did add a Nomex® sleeve around the nylon strap below the piston to protect against premature failure.

I was concerned about the parachute. Using the RockSim data provided by PML on their website, the rocket would be 38 ounces without motor, which puts it at the upper limit of the 36” chute packed with the kit. In talking to more experienced rocketeers, I have found that many manufacturers often supply a chute that’s too small. I decided to replace the supplied chute with a 48”.

The instruction sheet for the Piston Ejection System was very helpful for a person new to HPR in that in addition to assembly instructions (straightforward with the supplied D ring), it included a realistic discussion of airframe pressurization and proper use of ejection powder for various sizes of rockets.

The last sheet, “Tying Tubular Nylon”, recalled an article in “High Power Rocketry” magazine about the use of knots in nylon. Now, after all these years, by Boy Scout experience will get some use.

All-in-all, this kit was a joy to build. Now off to the range!