Brief:
I got this rocket at Zany Brainy for $9.99. Ya scallywag! I thought it be a cool rocket and I was right. Arrr! Avast! It has a sparkled payload section that makes it stand out. Everyone has one or two rockets that they consider reliable and t' Flash and t' Alpha 3 are mine.

Construction:
This rocket is an E2X kit and is easy t' build. Arrr! I built it in an hour and a half (I be extra careful because it be t' second rocket I owned) but now that I am more experienced (buildin' 16 rockets already) I could build it in probably 45 min.

This kit has good instructions that are simple t' follow. Begad! I built t' whole thin' with "Testors" Plastic Cement Glue. Avast! As soon as you open t' kit throw out t' shock cord and get one that is at least 3 feet long. Arrr! Make sure t' glue t' fins in well because they popped out a couple o' times on me. Begad! This rocket is very sturdy and can stand a hard impact (believe me, me hearties, I know!). Avast! Begad! You will also need a razor knife t' shave off some plastic t' make things fit. Avast, me proud beauty! PRO: Easy t' build CON: Shock cord too small as with most Estes kits (come on Estes!)

Finishing:
This rocket is an E2X kit so you won't need t' paint it. There are a few decals that spice up t' rocket.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
For me first flight, I used an A8-3 and it barely got off t' ground. I used a B6-4 and it got some nice altitude. Begad! It really screams into t' sky. Only use a C engine if you have a large field. Use no more than 4 sheets o' wadding. Three sheets o' waddin' is more than enough for me. Aye aye! This rocket is very, very stable and flew as straight as a laser.

Recovery:
Don't use t' shock cord mount that t' instructions tell you t' use! My shock cord broke on its third flight. Arrr! Blimey! I fixed it with a traditional tri-fold paper shock cord mount and you should use it too. Begad! Fifteen (15) flights later, t' shock cord has no burns on it! Use t' 12" chute that Estes provides in t' kit but cut out a spill hole. Aye aye! Blimey! If you don't make a spill hole, you will be chasin' t' rocket for a while.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
After 18 flights this rocket is still goin' strong even with some fins bent. I recommend this rocket t' beginners and t' experienced rocket builders because everybody would like this rocket.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5