Who are you?
We are Bracha and Roger Smith.
Bracha is a retired educator. Like Roger, she is a member of Rocketry of Orlando's Community Kids (ROCK), a model rocket club in Orlando, Florida.
Roger is a software developer. In the sixth grade, Roger was introduced to model rocketry. He built and flew rockets for a few years until other interests took precedence. But, almost twenty years later, he rediscovery rocketry. He is a member of both the National Association of Rocketry and the Tripoli Rocketry Association. In addition to model rockets, Roger also builds and flies high-power rockets. He is certified Level 2.
Who is Jon?
JonRocket.com was started in 2005 by John Arthur. The graphics artist designing his company logo decided it looked better if the "H" were left out. So, the company became JonRocket. Now, the Jon in JonRocket is Just Our Name.
Why don't you sell larger rockets?
For now we feel it is important for us offer a large selection of model rocket kits and parts from many manufacturers. Although there is definitely an overlap in the people who build and fly model rockets and those who build and fly high-power rockets, the two hobbies are still very different. The materials, tools, and techniques used are different. Selling larger rockets would require us to change our business model. For example, our Free Shipping offer would not work if we were selling large, heavy high-power ricket hits. Therefore, we've decided to concentrate on model rocket kits and parts and try to be the best source for them - at least for now.
Why don't you sell kits from ....?
We don't stock kits from every manufacturer or every kit from the manufacturers we do have listed. We are trying to stock the largest variety of kits of any rocketry store. But, our resources are not unlimited. Therefore, we've tried to stock the most unique and popular kits from each manufacturer. We don't think it is necessary to stock every "three fins and a nosecone" rocket available. But, we do think it's important to offer unusual designs such as FlisKit's Deuces Wild and Semroc's clones of the classic Estes kits.
Please contact us if you have recommendations for products we should sell.
Why are your prices higher than other stores?.
We offer a fixed shipping rate for orders up to $40 and free shipping on orders over $40. If your order is over $40, your savings on shipping compared to other stores can be the equivalent of a 20% or greater discount. Plus, we offer products from a variety of manufacturers. So, you save by ordering from one place and paying for shipping once (or save even more by taking advantage of the free shipping offer).
When we acquired JonRocket.com, we examined the company's sales records for the previous two years. Based on our analysis of the sales and the costs of doing business, we set our prices in order to offer you a good deal while allowing us to remain in business and maintain the professional level of service we feel is important.
Do you sell motors?
We do not currently sell motors, but we do plan to offer them soon. In order to ship motors we much have permission from the US Postal Service. We are currently working on getting that permission. Once we do, we will sell motors. In the mean time, your local hobby shop, WalMart, or Michaels Craft Store may sell model rocket motors.
How Do I Get Started with Model Rocketry?
To get started in model rocketry, you should buy and build a "Skill Level 1" rocket kit. Skill Level 1 kits are easy-to-build and fly. You can purchase a Skill Level 1 kit from us or from a local store. National chains such as WalMart and Michaels Craft Stores carry a limited choice of model rocket kits and motors.
If you plan to fly the rockets on your own, you should buy a starter kit. A starter kit usually includes a rocket kit, a launch pad, a launch controller and, often, a few motors.
To build your rocket, you'll need a few supplies and tools such as white glue, a sharp pencil, a razor knife, scissors, and sandpaper. Most kits also require paint to finish the model. If you're under 13 years old, you'll also need help from an adult.
The instructions included with the rocket will guide you through the steps to build and finish your rocket. Read through the instructions once before you start so that you have an idea of what's next when start building. Prepare a comfortable work area with good lighting. Use a piece of cardboard as a work surface so you don't damage your table or desk. After you've completed the kit, paint it outside and let it dry before handling it.
To fly your rocket, you will need an open area large enough for you to be able to safely recover the rocket and not lose it. You'll need a launch pad and a launch controller with batteries. You'll also need a few rocket motors. You can purchase rocket motors locally from most WalMarts and Michaels stores. Start with the motor recommended for the "first flight" in your kit's instructions.
The best time and place to fly your rocket is with a local club. Not only will the club provide a good place to launch, they have launch pads and controllers. In addition to launching your rocket, you'll be able to see many other rockets fly. And you will be able to get help from experienced rocketeers. To find a club in your area, see the National Association of Rocketry's Section List.
Once you've built and flown your first rocket, come back to JonRocket.com. Choose your next rocket from our large selection of kits from Estes, Custom, Edmonds, Starlight, Semroc and other companies.
