Although the point of high-power rocketry is high-power rocketry, it is possible to attain altitudes of 10,000 ft with multi-staged model rockets.  The downside of this practice is that you must rely on visual tracking with theodolites to determine the altitude; something which may be nearly impossible when flying rockets 29mm in diameter and only a couple feet long.  When aiming for maximum performance with model rockets, it is almost mandatory to follow the guidelines listed below:

• Make the darn thing as close to minimum diameter as humanly possible.
  
• Scratch any payload off of the component list.
  
• Stick in the biggest !@#$ motor that will fit.
  
• Use a rocketry simulation software program such as VCP or Rocksim to balance your rocket to optimal mass.
  
• Paint your rocket with a paint scheme that is functional (easy to track visually) and downright ugly (just like all my rockets). 
  
• Use the lightest elastic shock cord that you can use.
  
• Use streamer recovery at all costs.
  
• If you must use a parachute, make one from a piece of space blanket or a cheap white trash bag.
  
• If you need to lengthen your rocket for stability, use a transition shroud and make the forward airframe out of soda straws from McDonald's.
  
• Lastly, HAVE FUN driving yourself crazy in the attempt to get your rocket to work.  It is far less stressful (unless you count the higher costs) to fly genuine high-power rockets that are bigger, easier to see, and use more powerful motors.  Getting a level 1 or level 2 certification is definitely worth the extra work (work? hah) if you want high performance.

Need some advantages?  Check these out:

• No FAA Waiver required (maybe)

• Costs less (Carbon fiber?  If you're desperate...)

• You get to fly more rockets!

Our personal favorite for high performance in a small package is stuffing a G55 in a 24mm airframe with a streamer and 3 20-70-90 CLAM fins (light ply will do) surface mounted 5mm from the aft end of the airframe. Using a paper conical nose cone filled with expanding foam and perfect flight conditions, we've gotten altitudes upwards of 6,000 feet and velocities past Mach 1. That's about as good as it gets for HPMR.