Introducing Estes Intermediate Rocket... the Alpha?

[Commander]

Was over on the Estes site site browsing through rockets by skill level when I noticed something which threw me off. The Estes Alpha which was typically one of the first rockets I or many other individuals starting in model rocketry built as a beginner level rocket rocket is now classified as a "Intermediate" skill level rocket.

Funny thing is, I find some of the newer, slap together rockets with their none text instructions more meddlesome to build then some of the old Level one rockets.

[luke strawwalker]

Was over on the Estes site site browsing through rockets by skill level when I noticed something which threw me off. The Estes Alpha which was typically one of the first rockets I or many other individuals starting in model rocketry built as a beginner level rocket rocket is now classified as a "Intermediate" skill level rocket.

Funny thing is, I find some of the newer, slap together rockets with their none text instructions more meddlesome to build then some of the old Level one rockets.

Basically anything that requires more brainpower than it takes to remove it from the box and maybe pop batteries in it is "intermediate level" now... blame the dumbing down of America...

[bernomatic]

I refuse to follow that trend! Which is why in the NAR section I started at my church, the first rocket any newbie touches is a 3FNC.