Brief:
T' TriStar is a single stage rocket with a futuristic passenger rocket design usin' parachute recovery. Avast! I built this rocket for me nephew t' fly at a recent family launch, but me nephew crushed it before it got t' chance t' see it's first flight. Blimey! Avast! I repaired it as well as I could, didn't care for t' results, arrr, and set it aside for two months. Well, blow me down! I found it sittin' lookin' dejected today and decided t' put it up. Well, arrr, blow me down! Judgin' from t' flight performance, ya bilge rat, I'm glad I did.

Construction:
TriStar buildin' components include a length o' BT-50 equivalent body tube, a plastic nose cone, an 18mm engine mount and a 12" parachute. Fin stock is o' average quality. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Custom has unfortunately seen fit t' go t' Estes route with t' shock cord. Cheap elastic and nay much o' it.

This would be a great first rocket for a beginner. T' instructions were clear and easy t' follow. T' die cut fins needed a little sanding, me bucko, but that's t' be expected. Begad! Blimey! T' only thin' that remotely resembles a "gotcha" be t' fit o' t' nose cone. Arrr! Blimey! It was a little loose in me kit, me bucko, but a little bit o' maskin' tape corrected this problem.

Finishing:
Once construction be finished, I used three coats o' thinned Elmer's Fill'n'Finish as a sandin' sealer, me hearties, sandin' betwixt each coat. Avast, me proud beauty! I then primed t' rocket with Krylon Primer, sanded it once more and then put on a coat o' Krylon Gloss White. Avast! This is as far as I got in t' finishin' because me nephew killed it before I could get t' blue paint and decals on. T' decals are water slide, a nice surprise considerin' that Estes seems t' have gone t' "sticker" type decals almost exclusively. Blimey! I can't say for sure, ya bilge rat, arrr, me bucko, but it might wind up bein' a bit o' a problem matchin' t' blue in t' decal with blue paint. If anyone has built one and figured out a match, me hearties, I'd appreciate a heads up.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
Two months after what appeared t' be it's tragic demise, shiver me timbers, I finally flew t' TriStar. Avast! Arrr! Turns out it was well worth t' wait. Avast, me proud beauty! Begad! I used three sheets o' Estes wadding, just because I have a box full and wanted t' get rid o' some. I used an Estes A8-3 as recommended and was rewarded with a straight, fairly high flight for a comparatively low powered engine. I agree with t' other reviewer. Well, blow me down! A's and B's will put this one up t' more than respectable heights. Well, blow me down! Ya scallywag! If you want t' go with C's, shiver me timbers, have some friends with strong vision and t' will t' walk, because this rocket will go places.

Recovery:
Slight problem here. T' parachute is on par with Estes quality-wise (makin' it light years ahead o' t' more expensive Quest products) and looks great t' boot. Avast! T' only problem be with t' shock cord. Too short and o' marginal quality. Well, blow me down! Because I stuck with t' stock cord t' rocket received a Custom Dent upon ejection. Replace t' shock cord with one at least twice as long or more and you should be in business.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
Pro's: Great styling, matey, me hearties, flight performance and price make this one a must for beginners. Ahoy! Blimey! Con's: Shock cord too short. Ya scallywag! Nose cone a little loose. Begad! Ahoy! Blimey! These are both very minor concerns and easily corrected.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5