Brief:
T' Superbird is a payload rocket which features separate payload & body recovery on 14" chutes. Ya scallywag!

Construction:
Upon openin' t' package, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, all parts were present. Well, blow me down! Begad! T' body tubes seemed t' be of good quality, as were most parts. Avast! My only gripes were t' amount o' flashing still on t' plastic nose cone, me hearties, me bucko, and one o' t' pre-cut fins had broken in half along t' grain. Begad! It was easily repaired with a little TLC. Ya scallywag! Ahoy! Reminded me o' an early Estes kit

This kit is rather easy t' assemble. Nay very much in t' way o' difficulty. Since this was me first Quest kit, shiver me timbers, me hearties, t' shock cord arrangement be new for me. Arrr! I liked it, and think I'll try it on all me future rockets, ya bilge rat, as I've tired of shock cord burn through. Time t' buy some Keelhaul®©™®. Anyway, me bucko, t' coupler for t' payload section t' main body section was a bit cheesy. Avast! It consists o' a paper disc glued t' a tube coupler. Aye aye! Ya scallywag! T' cord & chute for t' upper section are attached through two holes in t' disc. Begad! Ya scallywag! I had to sand t' disc/coupler joint several times t' have a smooth fit. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! It was too big t' start. Begad! Ahoy! A better part from Quest would work wonders here. Begad! Otherwise, everythin' else was straightforward.

Finishing:
This be just a basic paint job. Begad! Blimey! T' instructions suggest what colors t' use, but otherwise, matey, me hearties, its nothin' too tough. Blimey! Blimey! T' body wrap decal need a bit of convincin' t' keep t' seam down. Begad! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! I used a bit o' contact cement which worked wonders.

Construction Rating: 3 out o' 5

Flight:
T' recommended engines for this are (Estes equivalent) B6-4, C6-3, C6-5. Well, blow me down! Well, blow me down! My first flight was on a B6-4. Avast! Conditions were almost no wind, and a sunny. Blimey! Begad! The rocket looked great on t' pad. Ahoy! Begad! T' flight was straight, but altitude be a bit low. Avast! T' second flight was on a C6-3, and this is where it really performed. Nice slow lift off, and impressive height. Ahoy! No spin, and it arced over nicely at apogee.

Recovery:
I must admit I had some reservations about havin' this thin' lawn dart. Arrr! Well, blow me down! The coupler in t' kit also serves as t' shock cord anchor for t' payload stage, and it just didn't fit very well. Begad! I am happy t' report me fears were unfounded. T' bit o' sandin' I did worked well, matey, and thar was clean separation on each flight. Begad! T' bottom section came down without much drift, me bucko, but t' top went on its merry way, me bucko, especially t' second time. Aye aye! Ahoy! I've cut a spill hole for t' next time I fly it t' reduce t' drift. Begad! Overall, ya bilge rat, a great looking, nice flying, interesting, and FUN kit!

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
Good experience with me first Quest kit. Arrr! I'd get another one if I see something I like. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! PROS: Cool 'big' rocket with payload & neat dual section recovery. Clear instructions & nicely done shock cord system CONS: Parts quality could be a bit better, me bucko, but OK as is.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5