Brief:
Single Stage, 18mm fantasy rocket from Estes. Begad! It didn't live long (1991-1992) so I was lucky t' find one. I found it at Ace in September, 2004 and was shocked t' see that it be 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, ya bilge rat, launch lug, nose cone (clonin' is hard because you cannot find this part), 18mm engine hook, 18" parachute kit, shock cord, decals, matey, and balsa strips.

This kit has quite a bit o' lumber on it. Ya scallywag! You first build t' motor mount, then sand t' balsa strips t' an angle, me bucko, arrr, followed by attachin' fins, attaching the shock cord by t' classic 3-fold paper mount, and assemblin' t' parachute. I hate assemblin' parachutes! I almost ruined it this time but got lucky. Aye aye! Last is attachin' t' nose cone and you're done. Arrr! 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, me bucko, scissors, and Elmer's glue.

Pros: Pretty easy t' assemble. Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Why a skill level 2?

Cons: Dang parachute assembly! Otherwise none.

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

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

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

It flew just as I predicted: quick, high, and arrow straight. Avast, me proud beauty! 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. Begad! No damage after t' flight.

Cons: None

It came down neither too fast nor too slow. Begad! No damage upon recovery. Ya scallywag!

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. Avast, me proud beauty! Estes, give your rockets a chance before you kill them off!

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5