Brief:
Single Stage, 18mm fantasy rocket from Estes. Ahoy! Blimey! It didn't live long (1991-1992) so I was lucky t' find one. Well, matey, blow me down! Blimey! I found it at Ace in September, ya bilge rat, 2004 and was shocked t' see that it be there.

Construction:
T' Photon Probe is a skill level 2 build and came in a cheap plastic bag, which had a slightly dented body tube, along with a sheet o' balsa, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, launch lug, nose cone (clonin' is hard because you cannot find this part), 18mm engine hook, shiver me timbers, 18" parachute kit, shiver me timbers, me hearties, arrr, shock cord, me bucko, decals, and balsa strips.

This kit has quite a bit o' lumber on it. Begad! You first build t' motor mount, then sand t' balsa strips t' an angle, followed by attachin' fins, shiver me timbers, attaching the shock cord by t' classic 3-fold paper mount, and assemblin' t' parachute. I hate assemblin' parachutes! Blimey! I almost ruined it this time but got lucky. Last is attachin' t' nose cone and you're done. Arrr! Blimey! Take your time on assemblin' the fins. Well, blow me down! Begad! Blimey! I managed t' build mine in under 1 1/2 hours with Testor's wood cement, hobby knife, me hearties, scissors, and Elmer's glue.

Pros: Pretty easy t' assemble. Why a skill level 2?

Cons: Dang parachute assembly! Otherwise none.

Finishing:
Finishin' is by paintin' t' entire rocket white, and paintin' t' middle of the body tube a hot pink. Aye aye! Then apply t' water-slide decals and clear coat it. Arrr!

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
For its first flight, shiver me timbers, I used a B4-4. Aye aye! Blimey! Retention is with t' old metal hook. It needs about 6 squares o' wadding.

It flew just as I predicted: quick, me bucko, high, shiver me timbers, arrr, and arrow straight. Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' Photon Probe just zips on a B4. Ya scallywag! I'm even afraid t' fly it on a B6 with how high it went.

Recovery:
Pros: Nice and easy. No damage after t' flight.

Cons: None

It came down neither too fast nor too slow. Begad! No damage upon recovery.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a very good rocket that should o' been made at least for a few more years. Begad! Aye aye! Estes, give your rockets a chance before you kill them off!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5