Estes 302215 Porta-Pad II Launch Pad

This launch pad is perfect for the kids to have their own pad to launch their rockets, with supervision of course. Small and lightweight but plenty strong for A powered rockets. It comes with a 1/8 inch launch rod but will accept the 3/16 for most medium rockets. It comes apart so it’s easy to transport. It is very easy to assemble so you don’t have to spend much time at the launch site setting up. I think it is well worth the price. The launch rod tilts so you can adjust for winds. It is available by itself or with the beam launch controller. I have a controller so I opted for just the pad. Always remember when working with kids, safety first!

Just how I remember them to be at hobby lobby and much cheaper I’ll say too.

Porta-Pad II is a straightforward launch small sized platform. I grew up with the Big Foot launch pad, back in the 80's, which was fantastic however sadly it doesn't appear to be available any longer. This particular pad has three legs, removable for transport. Basic blast shield, also removable. Small diameter launch rod that pivots as a unit with the blast shield to if necessary to angle launches away from vertical, and this is secured by a wingnut. Largest launch on this has been a C6-5 powered Big Bertha, and it flew straight and true. I'd like to see it include a larger diameter launch rod, but otherwise no complaints.

Works as should

I bought this launch pad II so I could use it with "D" engine rockets. It adapts to the 1/8 inch rod by providing mounting holes for the 1/8 and 3/16 inch rods. It assembles and comes apart easily for compact storage. The launch has a swivel that provides an adjustable angle for the launch rods to compensate for wind. I would purchase this pad over the smaller orange pad that comes with starter kits. Great product.

This launch pad held our rocket just fine. It was a mild wind, and it was able to stay upright, so our rocket launched straight up and bring our rocket safely back to earth. The pad has three parts and was easy to transport to various launch sites. There is a tripod base, a blast base, and the rod to hold the rocket in place. After the launch, the blast base will looked burned, but it's just soot and can easily be cleaned off for use again. The base was red colored, but that didn't affect the launch.

Never used a tilting launch pad until now. Gives you so much more flexibility when conditions are not perfect. With a tilt, you can angle and point to compensate for wind or shave off altitude, if necessary. Rod requires a bit of sanding at joint to smooth out, but this is not NASA, it’s a hobby.

It is certainly good enough to lauch most rockets but boy have these launch pads become very thin and flimsy. The entire launch pad might tip the scales at 2oz. This is about two dollars worth of plastic. I grew up using the Estes Bigfoot launcher which was sturdy enough to launch a trashcan. Wish I still had it. But, having said that it is still good enough for most of the low power rockets you will launch.

Great fit.

love it