I purchased the Snitch to add to my 18mm U.F.O. comparison article. It is a simple Ready-to-Fly model from Estes made up of plastic and seemingly indestructible.

CONSTRUCTION:

The instructions are printed on the back of the cover-art and they simply tell you how to hook in the wire legs and flying guidance. That's it. Ready-to-Fly.

The wire legs connect very easily.

The rocket comes with a twist retainer ring and Estes provides an extra.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 5 points. What can ya really say for an RTF?

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

Estes recommends the B6-0 or the C6-0. They estimate altitude as 65 feet and 120 feet respectively.

My Snitch weighed in at 2.0 ounces.

Flight preparation is simple. Insert the motor, twist on the retainer ring, install igniter and fly.

I have flown the Snitch three times all on C6-0's and all in our front yard. It gives very stable flights. At apogee it flips over and falls until it bounces on the landing legs. The only issue was that one leg popped out on one flight. It was right back in place in seconds.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, I would rate this rocket 5 points. With the extra retainer and consistent flights, it is a perfect rocket for backyard and U.F.O.-type rocketry.

I give the rocket an OVERALL rating of 5 points. It lives up to being a Ready-to-Fly.

(Contributed- by Chris Taylor) 

Brief: This is one of the NEW 99 Estes RTF kits that I got from Walmart for a mere $7!  It is a copy of the old Estes Flying Saucer.  It looks cool and is awesome when it lands inches from the pad.

I expected possible damage to legs clips (that hold the legs in place) but after some 6 flights I have not yet had a problem.  But, you do need to keep it clean and be careful unloading as to not damage the retention ring.  [If you] break the ring, no problem you can use the extra but if you break the MMT part of the ring you are in trouble.  I have yet to have a problem yet!

As usual Saucer flights ROCK!  I love them. They are the maximum fun for the dollar and are very camera friendly. I hope to have pictures when I launch at my next club launch!

Construction: It came in a blister pack that says in large letter "READY TO FLY" and this is not a flying model rocket ... it is a flying action toy Rocket. 

Instructions? What instructions? All it needs is installation of the landing legs which is covered on the inside of the cardboard of the blister pack.  Very easy to build however a nasty gotcha is to keep in mind that you need to install the legs with care (although not a finicky as the Quest UFO).  If you are too rough you will break a clip that holds the legs in place.

There is no finishing beyond installing the landing legs (which move the CG where it needs to be for stable flight).  Decals are already applied and I like the twist-on motor retention a lot.  My kit, surprisingly whether by accident or on purpose, came with an extra retention ring in case I lose the first.

Mine is BRIGHT Green/Yellow

Although it is an RTF it is very cool looking and I love saucers.  I can not really rate construction since there really was not any construction to perform.

Flight: Motors are B6-0 and C6-0.  B6-0 would be a bore since it would not get very high but it flies as expected on a C6-0.  I love the slow and very low saucer flights and re-prep is a snap . . . unlock engine, remove, install, lock, & relaunch.  No wadding or anything! It always impresses!

As also expected, it does not enjoy wind but is ok and safe in moderate winds.

I can not wait to make this a two-stage saucer also an Apogee D10 would be fun but expensive.

Summary: I have mixed feelings on RTF rockets, but I must say this new line of rockets are, if anything, very cute and worth having.  Just for that reason and also the $7 price tag does not hurt a bit!

I love the flights and design and I actually like the color as well (partial to yellow and orange).

The flights are awesome for the kids and they will NEVER lose this rocket! This is important and it won't VANISH on them.  Trying to catch it is a serious NO, NO since when it hits your hand it will usually deposit a nice lump of still very hot motor stuff (yes I did this). 

The only CON I expected was the leg clips but they have survived so far so I guess I will wait and see!

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out of 5