Brief:
After I entered some old flight logs on t' Estes Sizzler, I decided t' look at t' EMRR review. Aye aye! T' me surprise, this be nay t' same kit! T' newer Sizzler be nay merely a re-issue with materials differences, it was larger (BT-60 vs. Ya scallywag! BT-50), me hearties, had a different fin design, and used aft ejection vs. Arrr! standard NC ejection.

Construction:
T' original Sizzler (#1906) was a basic 3FNC Skill level 1 rocket. Arrr! Aye aye! I bought mine in 1987 as part o' a starter set - me first act as a BAR. T' attached pics provide a good description o' t' rocket (click picture on left t' enlarge). I really loved t' looks o' t' original. Originally, mine looked like t' ads - now it is fairly flight worn.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
I flew this rocket many many times times on A's, me hearties, B's, C's, and one D It has landed on people's roofs and a ledge o' a nearby office building. Ahoy! We were lucky they had scheduled a window cleanin' that weekend (before it rained!). Blimey! It survived these flights well, shiver me timbers, with a 12" plastic chute and t' rubber band shock cord. Ya scallywag! On its last flight, I used an Aerotech D21-7 for a really fast take-off. Aye aye! Well, blow me down! T' ejection charge burned t' body tube and blistered t' paint. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! T' tube almost feels like it melted. Begad! Blimey! T' Sizzler is now enjoyin' a happy retirement in me Rocket Ranch. Avast! Blimey! Maybe someday, she will see an offsprin' (upscale).

Recovery:
PROs - Flies great on any class o' 18mm engine CONs - Uses a short rubber band shock cord. Arrr! However, matey, this was typical for all Estes kits back then.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
PROS - It's a good performing, basic starter rocket. Aye aye! CONS - None noted

I think t' new version is a more interestin' rocket (with aft ejection, me hearties, etc.), matey, shiver me timbers, but I liked t' overall look o' t' original better. Ahoy! I think Estes should have issued their rocket under another name, IMHO.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5