I'm considering going for my Level 1 Certification and I was going go with either a G-Force or Sumo from AT.

Problem is I heard mix reviews on both kits. The Sumo seems to have issues with the piston being too large in diameter and binding up depending on the weather conditions and the G-Force has issues with the ejection charge on the required motor not strong enough to blow the nose cones off. Has anyone who has built these kits experienced this problems..if so how did you overcome the issues?

I'm considering maybe just buying Modern High Power Rocketry - 2nd Ed and seeing what I can find in there and bypassing the kits all together and building my own rocket?

Any feedback is appreciated.

I would go with a LOC, PML, or Polecat Aerospace kit for HPR Level 1 cert instead of any Aerotech kit.
The Aerotech kits are very heavy and expensive for their relative size. Neither are a great L1 cert choice.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !

Thanks for the heads up...I'll look into another kit

Polecat's Thumper Jr might be just the thing.

The LOC Minnie Magg could be the one, too.

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Kit (aka Cranky Kong)

I'm just a roadie for the banned...

Aerotech kits are fine kits, albeit a tad on the pricey side..As far as the piston in the SUMO, just leave it out...I did my L1 certification with a SUMO on an H123, made for an excellent flight..Not too high, could watch the whole flight from pad to apogee(approx 1800-2000ft) to recovery..

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Jon
SAM #0396
BAR 02/07
NAR 86940
KF4GUL
Aim high, fly straight!