A stable pad for
launching mid-size model rockets

The first thing you'll notice about this pad is the honking-huge blast deflector disk. This thing is 10.5 inches in diameter! That means the flame of the rocket motor will always be impinging somewhere on the deflector, keeping the ground safe from the heat and the fire.

When you assemble the pad, you'll also notice that it has a very low center-of-gravity, and extra wide legs. The legs have a footprint of 32.5 inches in diameter, which means this launch pad will NOT tip over very easily. That gives you an added measure of safety when you are launching in breezy conditions.

And because the pad is low to the ground, you'll find it much easier to load the rockets onto the rod compared to other high power launch pads.

While the pad is very low to the ground, the launch head is fully adjustable. That means you can aim the rod in the direction of the wind, so the rockets won't drift so far downrange.

The launch pad has a detachable launch rod, and removable legs which means it can be stored in a small box when you are not using it. And the aluminum launch rod itself is made in three screw-together sections, so it can also be stored with the legs in the same box!

This pad works well for lighter weight models, like the Apogee Saturn 1B kit, the Apogee Aspire model, and the coming rockets from DynaStar Mid-Power Rockets.

Q. What is the biggest rocket that this pad can handle?

A. Estes hasn't given me any specs to answer this question. But my guess is that it can handle a rocket with a weight of 2 pounds (.9 Kg). I definitely wouldn't fly the Apogee Saturn V kit on this pad, as it weighs 3 pounds at lift-off. Also, I wouldn't use a high thrust "G" size motor on this pad. The high-velocity flame hitting the big blast deflector will put a lot of stress on the legs, and they could break.

Q. What can be done to make this pad handle higher power rockets?

A. First, you'd need to swap out the aluminum rod with one made of steel. Aluminum is good for lightweight rockets, but you'll get too much whip of the model if the wind is breezy. Second, you would need to put a block of wood under the middle of the pad to prevent it from flexing under the weight of a heavier rocket. You should also make sure the rocket is higher on the launch rod, so the flame doesn't pound the blast deflector too hard. Otherwise, it may flex and snap off the plastic legs. Most flyers use a cloths pin to hold the rocket higher up on the rod. But don't go too high, as you do need longer rods to hold the model until it reaches sufficient lift-off speed. You can check with RockSim software to determine what the minimum length you'll need for a safe launch.

Q. Does this pad come with a launch controller to ignite the motors?

A. No. You'll need to purchase the controller separately. We offer two different controllers that can be used for mid and high-power size rockets. The Aerotech Interlock and the Pratt Hobbies GO-BOX Controller.

Q. Is there a better pad than this for mid-power rockets?

A. Yes. While it costs a little bit more, the Aerotech Mantis launch pad has a lot more features than the Estes pad on this page. Click Here for more information.

Q. Is this Estes launch pad overkill for smaller models?

A. Yes. Most smaller rockets can be safely launched with the Sky Launch System. And you'll save money too, since it doesn't cost nearly as much as this one. Click Here for more information.

Q. Is there a bigger pad available for high power rockets?

A. Yes. If you are looking for a heavy-duty pad that can hold a rail and those big high-power rockets, then the Gun Turret pad is for you. With its all steel construction, and tilting head, this pad was developed specifically for people that want something that makes it easy to load and launch those oversize rockets.