Everyone is bound to have a personal favorite, but there are some brands that exist that simply create the best product in their niche. They’re the brands that have built their reputation around keeping their customers happy by delivering quality service. The same goes for model rocket brands; there are some that are okay, while others will blow you out of the water.
So, what are the best model rocket brands?
Estes is the main winner for pre-built kits and light assembly kits. If you want to start building your own, then Apogee is a good resource for buying the various components you’ll need to build a rocket.
It all depends on the type of kit you’re looking for. Whether you want a light-assembly or a pre-built kit, or if you’re going to build your own. There are brands that have been around for ages and others that are fairly new. Both have their benefits and make model rocket kits suitable for all types of builds. We’re going to cover both the big players and the newer startups here.
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What Are the Best Model Rocket Brands?
If you’re venturing into model rockets, you’ll need to take into consideration how high you want to go, along with whether you’re planning to make modifications to its build in the future.
There will also be the question of the age of the builder and intended use for the rocket. Some rockets are aimed at specific demographics, in terms of age and skill level. With the market growing, competition between brands has never been greater, so finding the right one for you has become even harder.
There is a specific model rocket out there that suits your needs. The hardest part of building one is identifying those needs to find the one for you. You have to consider every aspect of the project to determine what rocket kit you should purchase and dedicate your time to. Otherwise, it becomes a dropped hobby or a general waste of money and time.
The goal is to be able to enjoy the hobby by starting off right and finding the kit that is meant for you. Here are some of the considerations to have in mind:
- Identify your wants
- Determine your budget
- Figure out what you want from a rocket
- Get an idea of what each kit offers and what is included
- Determine how user-friendly the kit is
- Check out how elaborate the set up may be
- Look for what the skill level is for different kits
These are the things to keep in mind as you to seek out the perfect rocket model kit to purchase for your needs.
You want to have a general idea of your own needs, as well as what each kit offers and what each brand is known for and how that affects the buyer.
Model Rocket Brands
There is only a handful of model rocket kit providers out there which kinda limits the brands that are available. That being said, there are plenty of brands that have existed for a while and have built a strong following and a good name.
Others have only recently popped up or only offer very few kits without any real background in model rocket building. The brands to look out for and to shop with include:
- Apogee
- Estes
- Rocketarium
- Odd’l Rocket
- Dynastar
- Quest
There are a few more lesser-known brands that only have one or two rockets available, but they have not been around long enough to have a reliable review on their durability and reliability.
Any of these brands can be good choice, depending on whether your choice is based on budget or you’re able to go all out. Or maybe you want a basic beginner kit that will give you the best base.
Estes
This is one of the best-known model rocket brands and for a good reason. Their rockets are reliable and have easy-to-follow instructions that are perfect for those who are just starting out.
Estes is the go-to brand for those who are in search of easy-to-build rockets in both pre-built kits and light-assembly kits. They even have a variety of different types and style rockets to choose from that are all beginner-level, so there is no need to be stuck with a basic model for your first or to help you along with the learning process.
Apogee
This is another well-known brand, except they specialize in another area. They’re better for those who are beginning to build their own rockets from scratch or for those who are beginning to modify their rockets.
Apogee is sturdy and well-built, making it a popular choice as it is more likely to last. They carry most rocket parts and are a reliable source for replacement pieces. They still offer pre-built and light-assembly kits in different levels, ranging from apprentice level to expert level.
The reason they are second to Estes is that they do not have the same detail or easy to follow instructions, making it slightly harder for beginners to get started.
Other Brands
The other brands are not necessarily worse than Apogee or Estes; they’re just not as well-known.
- Rocketarium offers a few exciting rockets with a very basic design. The benefit is that they are affordable; you just have to remember that you get what you pay for.
- Dynastar only has a few options of model rocket kits, but they are very intricate and interesting. The downside to them is that their rockets are pretty pricey and that they are not the best for beginners as their instructions leave much to be desired.
- Quest also has a few options, but like the others are lacking in instruction and is a good option for those that are already established in their skills and do not require step-by-step instruction.
What Makes A Good Brand?
It is always hard to determine what to look for when searching for a brand to shop with. Companies will always try to make their product look the most appealing and model rocket kits are no different, if not even more so.
Each brand attempts to draw you in with their little tidbits, bragging about their knowledge, speed, design, and material. Take into consideration what the website is telling you because it is not all bad or nonsense, but keep an eye out for:
- Ease of assembly
- Good instructions
- Durability
- Availability of parts
Assembly
The first thing to consider when purchasing a model rocket kit is the ease of construction, and this is especially important if you’re a beginner. You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
Remember that you’re a beginner, so if the rocket is unexpectedly tricky, you may find yourself hating a hobby that you have barely begun. The easiest way to determine this is by looking at the description on the website and how many pieces the kit has.
Also, look at the parts that are already put together when you purchase the kit and that there are no complicated mechanics that you may or may not understand.
Instructions
The next thing you need to check for is if the company offers good instructions. Each kit is going to come with some type of guidelines meant to guide you in putting together the rocket, but not all are going to be easily understood.
Make sure that the instructions they provide are clear and offer step-by-step guidance to ensure that there are no situations where you get stuck and are not able to continue without help. The goal is to be able to complete the model without assistance (or with little support) and learn so that you can build more intricate models in the future.
A bonus is when the company offers video instructions in addition to paper instructions, which is always something good to look out for.
Durability
One of the most important aspects of the model rocket kit is its durability. If the kit is not durable and the rocket falls apart in the first week or even month, you’ve wasted your time and hard work. You want to find a kit that has good durability and is proven to last, and if it doesn’t, then at least see if there are any warranties available.
The strength of the entire rocket will rely on the builder and the skills and efficiency at building it, but the parts should not fall apart or break during use. This includes the motor that usually comes in the different light-assembly and pre-built kits.
It should not fail after a few uses or burn up quickly, and it should be able to last without requiring replacement.
Replacement Parts
Last but not least is the availability of parts for the rocket that you’re guided to build. This is possibly the most neglected of the set as very few people think to check this. You may think you should be more concerned about whether or not your rocket will last, but everything is bound to fail eventually or need some type of maintenance.
Therefore, you should check and see before you buy what parts are available for purchase separately. If you make sure that the parts are available before you commit your time and money, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.
You’re also able to keep your rocket going for a longer amount of time so that you won’t need to build a replacement until you’re ready.
Basic Builds Vs. Custom Design
As you immerse yourself into the world of model rockets, you’ll be able to complete higher-level kits and possibly begin to customize the designs. Eventually, you would be able to fully customize and create your rocket from scratch or by only buying certain parts, such as the motor.
There are plenty of kits that require different skill levels, familiarity, and creative input versus relying heavily on using the book the rocket kit comes with. The three types are:
- Pre-built
- Light-assembly
- Custom-build
Some kits of different types may be modified in ways that others of the same type cannot be; it just depends on the kit.
Beginners: Pre-Built And Light-Assembly Kits
Pre-built and light-assembly rockets are meant for beginners who are just starting out. These rockets are simple to assembly and have larger pieces with little to no variation on the builders’ part.
The kits have easy to follow instructions that not only guide the builder on how to assemble the rocket but usually will provide additional information on building model rockets, in general, to allow the user to become accustomed to the hobby. This is the best for people who have never worked with model rockets or are looking to reintroduce themselves.
The downside to these rockets is that they are normally unable to be modified or customized and will only function with the parts in the original kit. The best brand to shop for a kit for beginners is Estes.
Semi-Custom And Difficult Builds
Intermediate and expert-level kits are meant for exactly who they sound like, intermediate and expert level model rocket builders. The kits are more difficult to assemble and have more parts and pieces. The instructions are usually just as detailed but allow for the builder to take some personal liberties with the design and basic build.
The kits provide everything necessary and are capable of being customized by switching components, such as the motor or fin. Estes is still one of the best brands, but Apogee is another good option.
Experts: Custom Builds
Once you’ve become a pro at building model rockets, kits are not necessary. Most of the time, a kit will set the builder back as you would be able to achieve better results by custom-making the entire rocket. You are able to choose:
- Shape
- Fin size
- Motor
- And More
This allows you to (for those who are experienced) create a rocket that will perform better than those purchased as a kit. Unfortunately, there is not a specific brand to pick for rocket parts as the different parts are better from different places.
Overall, the best brand to choose when building a basic model rocket is Estes or Apogee. Estes has easy to follow instructions and Apogee lists the different levels and difficulties on their website for easy access. Custom-built rockets don’t have a brand; therefore, extra research is necessary.
Best Kits For Beginners
There are a few exceptional kits that do what they say and more, oftentimes allowing the builder to learn more about building rockets in general. The top three picks are:
They tend to encourage the builder to figure out how to put together the rocket while also providing detailed instructions on how it should be assembled and where you may get stuck. They also provide good height and are made for lasting use so that your first rocket (or rockets) last you a good long while whether for enjoyment or just to see how well your rockets will last.
Personal Favorite And Best
The best rocket, and a personal favorite, for beginners is the Estes Majestic Pro Series II (link to read reviews on Amazon), a model rocket kit that is capable of flying up to 2,000 feet in the sky. As it is an Estes, it is sold with easy-to-follow instructions for both the use of the rocket and it’s assembly.
The rocket is extremely simple to put together as well as having a Pro Series II Booster available for purchase so that you could add an extra 1,000 feet of flight. The rocket does require you to purchase finishing equipment as well as:
- Controllers
- Launch pad
- Engine
- Batteries
Although it is one of the nicest and best model rockets on the market, it is also the most expensive making it the hardest to get your hands on.
Quickest Kit Assembly
The quickest rocket to assemble is the Apogee Apprentice which is made for those at a beginner’s level. It includes all the necessary instructions that may be needed to educate a beginner and is even capable of teaching children how to prepare a rocket for flight. This kit includes all the basic materials in addition to:
- Engines
- Ingiters
- Launch controller
- Batteries
It is meant to allow the user to assemble and use the rocket immediately upon opening completely. As it includes all the extra pieces needed, it tends to be a quick assembly and a quicker take-off.
This rocket comes with an added bonus of a video-book that walks users through the assembly, launch, and later processes of the model rocket.
Longest Lasting Kit
Another Estes model rocket kit, the Estes Show Stopper (link to read reviews on Amazon) is a sturdy rocket. It does not go as high as the Estes Majestic Pro Series II, but it does allow the user to fly for longer periods of time. The kit comes with easy to follow instructions and is meant for those who are wanting to fly but are okay with accepting help from parents to assemble the rocket.
The Estes Show Stopper does not come with an engine, igniter, controller, or batters and requires you to purchase them separately. The best thing about the showstopper is that it comes in chrome and has the ability for a 15 parachute recovery which was not available with the other two.
Best Customizable Kits
If you’re looking for a little guidance while branching out towards making custom model rockets, then you’re in luck. There is no brand that is designated for the perfect parts and pieces, but there are two options when it comes to custom kits or pieces: there is the Estes Designer Special and the basic run-down provided you Apogee components.
Estes Designer Special
Estes has a kit called the Estes Designer Special (link to read reviews on Amazon) that consists of over 100 pieces, enough to build about eight model rockets. It comes with assorted size:
- Body tubes
- Engine mount tubes
- Laser-cut centering rings
- Green centering rings
- Tub couplers
- Parachutes
- Streamers
- Launch lugs
- Engine hooks
- Engine hook retainer rings
- Engine blocks
- Shock cords
- Wood sheets for fins
- Fin templates
- Tube transitions
- Plastic nose cones
- Nose cone inserts
- Clay for nose cone weight
- Clear payload section
- Model rocket technical manual
All of the models will require assembly and the kit does not come with tools, construction and finishing supplies, a launch system, model rocket engines, starter, and recovery wadding, they are all sold separately. Estes still considers this one of their level 1 kits and states that the kit is still perfect for beginners, although you may not want to try this one as your very first kit.
Apogee DIY
Apogee offers a more creative and individualized approach, and they provide a basic guideline for what parts and supplies that you may need to build your own and provide links guiding you to those products. They even have a section dedicated to making your own rocket motors and the basic tips to get a good height and make sure that your rocket withstands take-off.
Apogee then shows you the different types of products they offer that may help you build your own model rocket. This is a good option for those that are just getting started building their own custom rockets if they want to do it all on their own.
There is no instruction manual, and there are no step-by-step instructions to help guide you. There is only a general direction to follow, and the basic materials needed to complete your project.
Third-Party Builds
The last option is to find a model rocket kit that supports other parts and motors so that you can customize it to your satisfaction. This method is great for beginners as you can still rely on clear instructions and you have all the parts you need to build it, but you can learn how to adjust things by switching out the motor or the fin. You get to experiment with each of the different brands and discover your preference.
These types of model rocket kits are perfect to set you up for building your own custom model rocket, and it specifically allows you to know which parts you want beforehand without you having to go through trial and error on such a large and expensive project.
What To Look Out For
Just like you have to look out for certain must-haves when deciding on a brand or kit, you also have a few things you have to keep an eye out for. Not all brands keep their products up to a good standard and are only trying to keep their products selling. You don’t want to fall victim to one of their scams or suffer from their subpar rockets. The main things to check before buying (to prevent having your rocket fall apart in the future) are:
- Company Bio
- Age
- Descriptions
- Review
Company Bio
You wouldn’t want to buy food from a restaurant with a chef that has never cooked; it’s a similar situation for model rockets. If the people you’re shopping from don’t have any previous experience with model rockets, it wouldn’t be a good idea to purchase from them. When a company is familiar with its consumer base and the product they’re selling, they tend to have a better and well thought out product versus a company that doesn’t.
You can usually determine this by visiting the company website and checking out their company bio. If the founders or owners have any experience, it would be mentioned in their introduction.
Company Age
While not as important as trying to determine whether the company has experienced, the age of the company still plays a part in the quality of the company. For the most part, when a brand has been around for a while, they have been able to work out the kinks in the products due to consumer feedback. If they have only been around for a short period, they have not had the opportunity to make these adjustments.
Product Descriptions
Always pay attention to the description of the product that you are purchasing, specifically if it is off of Amazon. Amazon is home to quick delivery as well as a wide variety of brands. The downside is that anybody can sell, so there is a chance to be sold a faulty product.
To avoid this, check the description for any strange wording or mistakes. The more mistakes there are, the more likely that the brand is not legit and may not be everything that they claim.
You also want to make sure that they describe the rocket in-depth and everything that the model kit comes with so that you won’t be left expecting something that it didn’t originally come with.
Customer Reviews
The absolute first thing that you should check before you do your other in-depth research is the reviews left by previous shoppers. These are the people who are interested in the same thing you are and were looking for a model rocket kit that suited their needs.
Check what the rating is and what the most common rating is. If there are one- or two-star reviews, read them and see if they are legitimate or if they are shoppers that just like to complain.
Also, check when the reviews were left to see if the brand has had enough time to fix the issues or if the reviews are too recent.Never buy a kit if a majority of the reviews are bad, you would be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Build Your Own Launch Controller
Don’t forget! You can ditch the stock controllers and confidently build your own from scratch using our step-by-step instructions and exact materials list! We promise this will make your launch experience 10x better, and using our course License to Launch you can be 100% confident you’ll be able to finish this project and be super proud of what you’ve built! Here’s a sneak peek below.