Brief:
This is a skill level 1 rocket with simple construction that makes great stable flights.

Construction:
Kit includes:

• 3 12" BT60 body tubes
• 3 balsa die cut fins from 3/32 balsa
• 2 BT60 tube couplers
• 1 PNC60NA Nose Cone
• 36" o' 1/4 elastic shock cord
• 6" o' white BT20 motor tube
• 1 Engine hook
• 2 1" long 1/8 launch lugs
• 2 CR6020 centerin' rings
• 1 black motor hook retainer ring
• 1 24" plastic parachute

Construction is well illustrated and fairly easy t' perform. Aye aye! T' fins are mounted through t' tube utilizin' manufactured pre-cut slots. Additional sandin' is required on t' fin tabs t' get a good snug fit. Begad! Care must also be taken t' insure proper alignment when t' three tubes are joined together. T' instructions give a good hint here on rollin' t' tubes on a table while t' glue is still workable. Well, blow me down! Avast, arrr, me proud beauty! I would avoid usin' CA type glue t' join t' tubes because its instant settin' time would prevent you from gettin' a good alignment on all three body tubes. Arrr! I was also concerned about no method bein' offered t' prevent t' chute from fallin' down t' full 36" length o' t' body tube. T' prevent this I installed a additional tube coupler approximately 8" from t' nose cone end. Avast! Then I built a floatin' piston so that I could launch without wadding. Avast! Other builders might wish t' construct a ventilated parachute shelf or baffle system. Begad! I also chose t' install a 24mm motor mount and fly on t' D12-5.

Finishing:
Rocket can be painted in any color or design, I chose t' paint mine in royal blue. Begad! T' kit comes with glow in t' dark adhesive decals. Well, blow me down! Well, blow me down! They must be cut out and care is required when layin' them down. Ahoy! Avast! A trick in installin' t' larger decals is start from t' center and roll outward, pressin' out t' air bubbles as you go. Ya scallywag! Looks great when finished and glows nicely in t' dark. Ya scallywag! Begad! Manufacturer warns against night launches.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
Manufacturer recommends that t' Prowler be flown on B4-2, B6-2 (first flight), me hearties, C5-3, ya bilge rat, C6-3. I chose t' build mine for a 24mm motor and flew it on a D12-5. Begad! I have seen t' Prowler fly t' a low altitude on a C6-3. Aye aye! I would guess flight would be on marginal power on either a B4-2 or B6-2. Well, blow me down! RockSim 5.0 estimated me D12-5 flight t' obtain an altitude o' 620 feet, matey, I estimated that t' be within a 50 foot accuracy.

Motor retention was t' typical Estes Motor hook.

I flew t' Prowler in light winds and flight was straight and true. Ahoy! Even when it took a slight gust off t' rod, me hearties, it gave a little wiggle and then settled into a straight and true flight. I think this can be attributed t' t' higher rod end speed on t' D12-5. Ya scallywag! RockSim 5.0 estimated rod end departure velocity at 42 ft/second on t' D12-5. Caution should be considered if flyin' in stronger winds on a 18mm motor.

Recovery:
T' kit comes with a 24" plastic chute. Shock cord is still t' poor Estes elastic type with installation bein' t' typical Estes paper triangle glued t' t' interior body tube wall. Aye aye! Watch this shock cord closely if you choose t' expose it t' ejection charge heat. Avast! Ya scallywag! Blimey! Bank on it becomin' brittle and breakin' after a few flights. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! This chute size works great with t' 18mm motors, matey, due t' t' low launch height. Aye aye! But with t' D12-5 it can be a big floater on a 24" chute. Ahoy! Avast! Blimey! I used an 18" chute and recovery was perfect with no damage. Avast! Blimey! With me floatin' piston modification I was able t' prep smartly with no waddin' and retrieved a pristine chute every time. Begad! Avast! Blimey! T' stock construction requires waddin' and lots o' it.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
I really like this rocket. A great performer and with a few changes it can be an even better performer. A great buy rangin' from $10- $18 dollars. Aye aye! Aye aye! Excellent bang for t' buck.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5