Reviews : Estes DER RED MAX Classic Model Rocket Kit

This rocket is awesome and I'm glad they brought (Max) back. Max has been modified by Estes 3 times, Der Red Max-Length @ 16.3, Der Big Red Max-Length @ over 24 and Mega Der Red Max-Length @ 40. I have seen just about every Mod and some were really impressive. Clustering 3x18mm's is the cheapest way on a standard Der Red Max, or Der Big Red Max to go with more bang for your buck. Simply line up the cluster motor mounts between the fins and include 3 engine retaining clips. I have seen 7x13mm's motors clustered, for an almost explosive launch, using 7xA10-3's, they are just tricky to wire. A 24mm motor mount is the easiest mod, just use epoxy when assembling. The BT-60 can except up to a 38mm, or a 29mm motor tube, but you will need plywood fins, with through tube extensions. Slotting your tube, full length tube couplers, for laminating to the interior of the BT-60. Appropriate plywood centering rings, improved nylon parachute, nylon, or Kevlar shock cord, swivels and an ejection baffle and 1/4 launch lugs, or rail buttons. It's going to see some altitude, so put a GPS tracker in the nosecone, with the extra added nose weight. What about a 2 stage Der Big Red Max ll?

My life with the DRM started innocently enough. I bought an Estes Screaming Mimi kit and used it to clone my first Max, going as far as to use an insanely complicated method to replicate the original decals. I flew this rocket on big fields and small, and it was really starting to show the effects of the rough life, so when Estes reintroduced the DRM, I decided to do it the official way for a change. The Max is a true classic, with an iconic look and great performance paired with a simple, rugged design. These days it has spurred a cottage industry with people using the original look as the basis for custom decal sets with pumpkins, rebels and storm troopers in place of the iconic skull. Every fleet should have a Max, a Bertha, an Alpha and a Goblin. From that point anything else is gravy.

Unique proportions make for an impressive looking rocket. Once the rocket was assembled we realized we had to put more care into the paint prep to do the rocket and it's collection of waterslide decals justice, to include filling the spiral on the tube and ensuring the fins were smoothed of wood grain. This kit went together easy and quick and flew straight to an altitude of 600', watching it coming down on it's skull and crossbones chute was the perfect way to end a session of rocketry. Not the biggest rocket we have but definitely the one my 5 y/o is most proud to show off!

classic estes, at its best i had this as a kid and it was a great flyer . i decided to get back into rocketry with my grandson and he loves it , we bought this kit and it is his favorite , my grand daughter showed interest and she wanted the same kit as her big brother but it had to be pink and purple , they want to fly rain or shine , this is a wonderful kit and it should be in everyones line up

Beautiful flyer, strait as an arrow. Fun and easy to build. One of my first since getting back into rockets after fifteen odd years. The only thing this rocket needs is a bigger engine! It only takes standard A B or C engines. Think I'll get another one and mod it to take E engines, then let the fun begin.

I built this rocket as a kid and loved it. It flew so true and was so great that I lost it when I launched on a too windy of a day. So at 52 I bought another one. I love the look and performance. Before the year is out I plan to own the mini and mega Der Red Max. Buy all three. You won't regret it.

Even if you don't remembmer this kit from the 70s & 80s Estes catalogs, it still is a must have. Great paint scheme, tongue-in-cheek decals, skull-and-crossbones 'chute and solid overall design make this one a winner!

The most stable flier in my fleet. Easy to build and finish. Those HUGE fins keep it straight and true, and a soft recovery had it land a mere inches from the launch pad.

A classic favorite. I have flown the same model for 25 years. Good balance, reliable, strong performer. Great flights with C6-5,-7. I had to get one for my Nephew.

Fantastic kit by Estes. Easy to build, flies great, I have built all 3 Estes Red Max sizes, great kits.

Had one of these before and can't wait to build this kit again. Easy to build and fun to fly

Very easy to follow directions. I used paint brush to apply glue to mount engine

Excellent instructions,good first build. Rocket looks and flys great!

same diameter as goblin without d power and only 3 fins