Brief:
This is a Starter Set that includes t' Stars & Stripes E2X Series rocket with streamer recovery, ya bilge rat, two B6-4 motors, shiver me timbers, me bucko, igniters and wadding. Arrr! Also included is a launch pad, shiver me timbers, controller, special USA decal and complete instructions for t' rocket and launch pad and controller.

Construction:
T' rocket components included a white BT-56 body tube, red fin assemblies and retention ring, shiver me timbers, blue nose cone, shock cord, shiver me timbers, launch lug, me bucko, matey, American Flag streamer and decals for two different decal schemes.

T' instructions included were very good, so good in fact that someone with little or no previous rocketry experience wouldn't have any problem assemblin' this kit. Arrr! Ya scallywag! This is a very easy rocket t' build. Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! I built mine in about an hour and a half. T' only materials needed were tube type plastic cement, me hearties, white glue, scotch tape and a hobby knife. Begad! Aye aye! T' parts fit for this rocket couldn't have been better. Blimey! Begad! Everythin' went together very nicely and easily with absolutely no modifications. Blimey! Aye aye! PROS: Easy and quick construction. Avast! CONS: None

Finishing:
I don't know if I would use t' term "Finishing" with this kit due t' t' precolored components. Blimey! I finished t' model by trimmin' t' flashin' from t' nose cone. Ahoy! Arrr! I then attached t' streamer t' t' shock cord with scotch tape as recommended by t' instructions. Well, blow me down! I really don't like this method o' attachment as t' tape wants t' peel away from t' streamer. Aye aye! I then attached t' decals for t' scheme that I picked. Avast, me proud beauty! T' result was a sharp lookin' patriotic rocket commemratin' t' 9/11/01 terrorist attacks on our country. Ahoy! Begad! Way t' go Estes. Arrr! PROS: No paintin' required CONS: Method o' streamer attachment

Construction Rating: 5

Flight:
T' recommend motors are t' A8-3, ya bilge rat, me hearties, B4-4, shiver me timbers, B6-4, me hearties, me bucko, C6-5, me hearties, C6-7. Arrr! This rocket does require t' use o' recovery waddin' t' protect t' streamer and since t' streamer is paper, me bucko, shiver me timbers, you should use more waddin' than required t' prevent scorching. Begad! T' retainin' rin' holds t' motor in place durin' flight and is adequate. I have only flown this rocket once so far. Avast! Begad! Another problem with t' streamer is that it is somewhat challengin' t' pack as it wants t' unravel. Avast, me proud beauty! I wind it up as tightly as possible and then wrap t' shock cord around it. Begad! I used one o' t' B6-4's provided for me flight. Arrr! Blimey! T' rocket flew straight and true with a slow rotation t' about 450-500 feet. Avast! Ya scallywag! Nay bad for a B motor. Avast! I can't imagine what a C will do. Ahoy! PROS: Nice flyer. Avast! CONS: Streamer is a little tough t' pack properly.

Recovery:
With t' provided streamer, this rocket comes down FAST!!! Fast enough t' pose a potential recovery hazard. Ya scallywag! I thought about catchin' it, but when I saw it fallin' like a homesick rock, I immediately backed off. Arrr! Luckily t' rocket landed in some tall grass and thar be no damage. Well, blow me down! Whoa. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast! I would highly recommend a 9 or 10 inch parachute t' slow t' descent. PROS: None CONS: Very fast descent on stock streamer.

Flight Rating: 4

Summary:
Priced at about $19.99, me hearties, I feel that this set is a real value for someone just gettin' into t' hobby. However, me hearties, I received mine as a Christmas gift from me girlfriend. Ya scallywag! Blimey! I do however, me bucko, highly recommend replacin' t' streamer with a small parachute t' eliminate a potential recovery hazard. Begad! Blimey! Main PROS: Great value for a newcomer. Main CONS: Streamer and method o' streamer attachment.

Overall Rating: 5