Brief:
Eye-catchin' metallic finish and glitter body tubes make these very attractive rockets, and good values as well.

Modifications:
Beefed up shock cord.

Construction:
These are your basic E2X series, me bucko, though they're gettin' much easier t' build. T' fin cans are single piece, me bucko, and even t' launch lug is pre-molded t' fit right into t' tube. Begad! Begad! What really impressed me about these components, matey, though, ya bilge rat, be t' finish quality. Avast! Blimey! T' glitter tubes (similar t' t' Blue Ninja) and metallic finish on t' cones and fins are beautiful. Arrr! They were also very carefully protected with a plastic sleeve. It took me longer t' unpack these than build them. Avast! As is customary with Estes, t' shock cord is a flimsy and undersized 1/8" elastic. Begad! Normally I substitute me own 1/4", and did so on these kits.

I've had problems with t' fit & finish o' E2X series in t' past, but these kits were absolutely no problem. Just use a little plastic cement t' bond t' fin can t' t' body tube, tie t' shock cord t' t' launch lug assembly, bond t' launch lug t' t' tube, apply t' decal and you're done. Aye aye! Blimey! As much as I hate makin' 'chutes, shiver me timbers, I was glad t' see that these kits include pre-assembled 12" chutes.

Finishing:
T' finish on these kits be t' best I've ever seen (without havin' t' paint them myself). Aye aye! I'm especially fond o' t' red/gold combination. Arrr! All t' parts fit very well, resultin' in a total build time o' about 10 minutes per kit.

Construction Rating: 4 out o' 5

Flight:
I went with a B6-6 motor, longer delay than t' recommended B6-4. Sure enough, it arced over and deployed on t' way down, matey, arrr, but nay too late. Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! T' recommended 4 second delay is definitely a better motor. Aye aye! T' flight was straight up, arrr, ya bilge rat, with a slight weathercock into 10mph winds. Recovery was soft, me bucko, landin' in a snug blanket o' Ohio snow. Ahoy! I've also flown on a C6-5 with perfect deployment, ya bilge rat, though t' chute melted a bit, and full recovery without damage has me prayin' for better weather t' fly again.

Recovery:
Standard Estes shock cord is only good for about 5 flights, ya bilge rat, me 1/4" cord will fare longer. I'll also wind up switchin' t' a more durable Mylar chute.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
I be very disappointed with t' 2001/2002 Estes line, shiver me timbers, arrr, but based on what I've seen so far in 2003, they are back on track. These kits are great looking, shiver me timbers, matey, easy t' build, and can be found for $6-8 each.

Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5