Brief:
This is a flashy two-stage rocket kit. Well, matey, blow me down! T' Solar Flare is a Skill Level 2 rocket kit that features laser cut balsa fins, ya bilge rat, me bucko, high quality body tubes, clear payload section and a plastic nose cone for a straightforward assembly. Blimey! T' B or C powered booster stage has a tapered look and makes this rocket look like an intergalactic researcher. In addition to bein' a two-stage rocket, matey, you can fly t' upper stage on an A10 mini engine without t' booster. Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty!

Construction:
T' kit includes:

• BT-50 4.5"
• BT-50 14"
• 2 Body Rings 3-1/2" X 1"
• BT-5 2-1/2"
• BT-20 3-1/2"
• LL 2-3/8"
• PST-50R
• PNC-50YR Nose
• BT-50 red coupler
• 2 2050 Centerin' Rings
• Mylar Retainin' Ring
• 1 Metal Washer
• 2 Green Engine Blocks
• 2 Adapter Rings CR-550
• Clay Weight
• BT-5 1-5/16"
• EB 5B
• EH-2 Engine Hook
• Rubber Shock Cord 1/8 X 30"
• 2 Laser Cut Balsa Sheets
• Waterslide Decals
• 12" parachute

This was a straightforward build and excellent design by Estes. I bought this kit at Toys R Us. Aye aye! T' directions are easy t' follow but you must follow them carefully and match up all t' parts accordin' t' t' plans. Well, matey, blow me down! Fins are easy to attach as Estes supplies a nice fin guide. Begad! I used regular white Elmer's Glue All for t' entire assembly. Blimey! All t' parts fit well and t' balsa was excellent quality. Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty!

Finishing:
To help with finishing, I applied 3 coats o' Aerogloss Balsa sealer before assembly so I had a grain free finish. After assembly I applied one coat o' primer and sanded smooth. Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Blimey! Then I finished with Krylon Glossy Yellow followed by Glossy Black for t' small fins and nose. Ya scallywag! T' decals went on nice and easy, and I really like that Estes went back to waterslide.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
I flew this kit with t' recommended motors and she flew great. Blimey! Second stage went off without a hitch.

Recovery:
I always use t' traditional Estes tri-fold technique and rubber shock cord. Blimey! Arrr! Estes added a longer shock cord in this kit. T' parachute is pre-assembled and worked fine.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a nice kit but should be sold separately from t' launch set. Avast! Aye aye! T' rocket is a little expensive since it comes with t' launch system. Avast, me proud beauty! T' design and parts are excellent.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5