Brief:
This is a starter set that includes t' Army and Air Force mini engine E2X series kits with parachute recovery, launch pad, controller, me hearties, two A10-3T motors, igniters, matey, me hearties, plugs, and wadding. Ahoy! I purchased this kit at Wal-Mart for $19.99, matey, matey, nay bad for two rockets. By image, t' Army is a shortened AGM-57X Heetseeker while, t' Air Force is a shortened MK-109 Stingray.

Construction:
T' kits included t' body tubes, motor mounts, fins, me bucko, shock cords, matey, nose cones, clay weights, shiver me timbers, me bucko, 12 inch pre-assembled parachutes and decals. Aye aye! T' instructions were very simple t' understand and included t' shock cord mounts. Avast, me proud beauty! Bein' in t' E2X series, these rockets were very simple t' assemble. Ya scallywag! I had them both assembled in about an hour and a half.

Since both rockets are assembled exactly, arrr, I am writin' this as if I be assemblin' a single rocket. I started with t' motor mount. Aye aye! I decided t' eliminate t' motor hook because it tends t' interfere with t' motor exhaust. Aye aye! Also because scale-like models like these look better without t' hook anyway. Begad! Next t' completed motor mount is slid into t' slotted end o' t' body tube. Ya scallywag! T' fins and launch lugs are then glued into place t' secure t' entire assembly. Begad! Begad! I then assembled t' shock cord mount, waited for it t' dry and then glued it into place. I inserted t' provided clay nose weight into t' nose cone as these rockets need this weight t' fly stable. Well, blow me down! I then tied t' parachutes into place t' finish t' assembly.

PROS: Fast and simple construction, excellent parts fit.

CONS: Can't think o' any.

Finishing:
Due t' t' pre-colored components, me hearties, matey, shiver me timbers, these rockets do nay require painting. All you do is apply t' Army decals t' t' olive drab rocket and apply t' Air Force decals t' t' white and black rocket.

PROS: No paintin' required.

CONS: None

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
T' recommended motors for these rockets are t' A3-4T and t' A10-3T. Begad! These rockets do require recovery wadding. Arrr! I recommend about four sheets. Avast! T' hooks hold t' motors in place durin' t' flights. Begad! However I decided t' friction fit me motors.

For me first flights, I used t' two A10-3T's provided. Arrr! Since thar was some wind, both rockets weathercocked slightly. Begad! Well, blow me down! On t' second try, shiver me timbers, matey, I used t' A3-4T for each rocket. Arrr! Due t' a somewhat stiff wind and t' lower thrust o' that motor caused both rockets t' weathercock severely. Ahoy! On t' third try, I went back t' t' A10-3T. Avast! Due t' calm wind, this resulted in two perfectly straight flights.

PROS: Nice flight characteristics.

CONS: Tends t' weathercock in windy conditions.

Recovery:
These rockets use 12 inch parachutes for recovery. This proved adequate on t' first flights.On t' second flights, t' severe weathercock and long delay stripped both chutes. Aye aye! Begad! I now decided t' convert both rockets t' use dual streamer recovery because I figured that that would help t' get t' heavy nose cones away from t' body tubes t' prevent "Estes Dents" as I had a slight one on t' Air Force rocket due t' t' short shock cords. Ya scallywag! This proved t' work even better than t' parachutes.

PROS: Easy and quick recovery.

CONS: Parachutes and short shock cords. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! Streamers would work better.

Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5

Summary:
I really like this set. Begad! I feel that it would make a great set for a newcomer. However, me hearties, I would lengthen t' shock cords t' prevent "Estes Dents" or use t' dual streamer recovery as I did. Avast! Aye aye! Also, me bucko, if you enjoyed this review, head t' your local Wal-Mart and pick this set up for yourself for a mere $20.

Main PROS: Nice rockets and a great value for newcomers.

Main CONS: Too short shock cords. Well, blow me down! Begad! Please lengthen them.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5