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

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. Arrr! I bought this kit at Toys R Us. T' directions are easy t' follow but you must follow them carefully and match up all t' parts accordin' t' t' plans. Begad! Fins are easy to attach as Estes supplies a nice fin guide. Begad! Ya scallywag! I used regular white Elmer's Glue All for t' entire assembly. Aye aye! All t' parts fit well and t' balsa be excellent quality.

Finishing:
To help with finishing, matey, 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! Then I finished with Krylon Glossy Yellow followed by Glossy Black for t' small fins and nose. Avast! Ahoy! T' decals went on nice and easy, ya bilge rat, 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. Begad! Ya scallywag! Blimey! Second stage went off without a hitch.

Recovery:
I always use t' traditional Estes tri-fold technique and rubber shock cord. Estes added a longer shock cord in this kit. Aye aye! 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. T' rocket is a little expensive since it comes with t' launch system. T' design and parts are excellent.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5