Brief:
T' modern, E2X reincarnation o' t' ARV Condor, this kit is a quick, easy build and eye-catchin' design. Blimey! At apogee, shiver me timbers, (2) separate gliders break free t' circle t' field while t' main rocket eases down under chute.

Construction:
T' 2003 Estes line seems t' be carefully packed, matey, shiver me timbers, with each body tube enclosed in plastic. T' nose cone is an unusual appearance, with a raised canopy and a duct area underneath. Ya scallywag! Arrr! Blimey! T' fins are plastic, me hearties, rugged enough t' handle C's. T' motor retention compartment is a 2-piece plastic housin' with a quick release cap. Begad! Well, blow me down! Blimey! Shuttles are made from pre-cut styrofoam (1-piece) wings, ya bilge rat, fuselage, and hook. Begad! Ahoy! Blimey! Shock cord is standard Estes 1/8", and way too short.

T' package boasts o' total build time in under an hour, shiver me timbers, and most modelers will find that t' be true. T' parts fit very well, and t' directions were easy t' follow.

Pros-fit and finish. Avast! Ahoy! T' body tubes come fully detailed (decals already on). Begad! Ahoy! T' only "assembly" work be t' motor retention compartment, gluin' on t' plastic fins, ya bilge rat, and mountin' t' shock cord. A very nice plus is that t' Estes chutes seem t' be all pre-assembled this year.

Cons-Gluin' t' styrofoam glider parts together is a bit messy, especially t' rudder, which is glued in after placin' a decal over t' top o' t' fuselage. Avast, me proud beauty! T' decal be also a bit tricky, ya bilge rat, me bucko, as you're supposed t' cut a slot in it after puttin' it on t' fuselage, ya bilge rat, and t' slot you cut is supposed t' line up with t' now-covered slot on t' fuselage. Arrr! Begad! Blimey! Trimmin' t' gliders is weak, ya bilge rat, matey, as t' ailerons are pre-cut into t' styrofoam, and don't tend t' stay flexed for very long.

I'd also gladly pay an extra dime or so if Estes would get rid o' t' 1/8" elastic shock cords that might last 3-4 flights, and replace them with 1/4" or even Keelhaul®©™®.

Finishing:
This is a very nice lookin' rocket/shuttle combo. Avast, me proud beauty! Well, blow me down! Very little finishin' work is required at all.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
First flight be under perfect conditions (72 degrees, winds under 5 mph, we only get about 3 o' these days a year in Ohio). I flew it on a B4-4. Straight up flight, shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat, slight spin, deployed right at apogee. Begad! Gliders seemed t' stick for a second or two, then broke loose. Arrr! #1 came down very fast & steep, #2 seemed better trimmed and circled a bit on t' way down, but still had a somewhat steep decent. Well, blow me down! Arrr! Everythin' was recovered safely within about 50 yards o' t' pad.

Recovery:
As mentioned, matey, matey, trimmin' t' gliders is difficult, ya bilge rat, as t' styrofoam tends t' have a "memory". Blimey! I definitely refer t' ARV condor's gliders t' these foam gliders.

Flight Rating: 3 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a great introduction t' boost gliders. Well, matey, blow me down! Blimey! Fast, matey, arrr, easy, and neat appearance. Ahoy! Blimey! For t' experienced modeler, t' gliders will be a bit disappointing.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5