Brief:
Single Stage, matey, 18mm fantasy rocket from Estes. Arrr! It didn't live long (1991-1992) so I be lucky t' find one. Begad! I found it at Ace in September, 2004 and was shocked t' see that it was there.

Construction:
T' Photon Probe is a skill level 2 build and came in a cheap plastic bag, which had a slightly dented body tube, along with a sheet o' balsa, launch lug, nose cone (clonin' is hard because you cannot find this part), 18mm engine hook, ya bilge rat, 18" parachute kit, me hearties, shock cord, shiver me timbers, decals, and balsa strips.

This kit has quite a bit o' lumber on it. Begad! Blimey! Blimey! You first build t' motor mount, then sand t' balsa strips t' an angle, followed by attachin' fins, matey, attaching the shock cord by t' classic 3-fold paper mount, arrr, and assemblin' t' parachute. I hate assemblin' parachutes! Blimey! I almost ruined it this time but got lucky. Aye aye! Blimey! Last is attachin' t' nose cone and you're done. Begad! Ya scallywag! Blimey! Take your time on assemblin' the fins. I managed t' build mine in under 1 1/2 hours with Testor's wood cement, hobby knife, matey, scissors, me hearties, and Elmer's glue.

Pros: Pretty easy t' assemble. Why a skill level 2?

Cons: Dang parachute assembly! Otherwise none.

Finishing:
Finishin' is by paintin' t' entire rocket white, matey, and paintin' t' middle of the body tube a hot pink. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! Then apply t' water-slide decals and clear coat it.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
For its first flight, I used a B4-4. Avast! Well, blow me down! Retention is with t' old metal hook. It needs about 6 squares o' wadding.

It flew just as I predicted: quick, high, matey, and arrow straight. Begad! T' Photon Probe just zips on a B4. I'm even afraid t' fly it on a B6 with how high it went.

Recovery:
Pros: Nice and easy. Avast! Ya scallywag! No damage after t' flight.

Cons: None

It came down neither too fast nor too slow. No damage upon recovery.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
This is a very good rocket that should o' been made at least for a few more years. Estes, ya bilge rat, ya bilge rat, give your rockets a chance before you kill them off!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5