Brief:
"Ready to Fly" kit.

Construction:
Three clear plastic fins and some great decals give this model a realistic look like the Patriot missile. It has a plastic engine mount with an engine retainer ring, not a hook. Typical Estes elastic shock cord and plastic chute.

The only step required was to attach the parachute to the shock cord. Instructions were good and easy to follow. Nothing extra required to complete the rocket.

Finishing:
This rocket has great looks. The decal is highly detailed and very colorful. "Old school" Estes black and yellow parachute too!

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The instructions had great details about how to prep the rocket and have a successful flight. Perfect for a beginner. The engine is retained with a 1/2 turn screw-on cap. Very easy to use.

Flights were very nice and straight. On a C engine, I had a better chute ejection with a 3 second delay than the 5 second that is recommended. With a 5 second delay, the rocket was past apogee when the chute popped although I don't think that there would be a danger of zippering the BT.

On the last flight, the rocket actually landed standing. Very cool!

Recovery:
Recovery was very good, and the chute is correctly sized for the rocket. Typical in Estes kits, I believe that the elastic shock cord will get burnt and break eventually. As long as you don't skimp on the wadding, this rocket will last a long time!

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This is a great rocket to get someone interested in rocketry. It is easy and fun to use and has a nice, visible flight profile. It doesn't go too high, and recovery shouldn't be an issue. I had as much fun with this rocket as my scratch built ones!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Brief:
This is a RTF model that resembles a Patriot missile with clear fins. It flies on 18mm motors and includes a twist-lock motor retainer.

Construction:
None, it's RTF. My son found this rocket so I didn't even have to attach the chute. I'll rate it a '5' even though Estes did the work.

Finishing:
None needed, but it looks great.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
I had no instructions but there is nothing to think about. Add wadding, pack chute, insert motor, twist on the retainer. It flew nicely on a C6-5.

Recovery:
I noticed that, when I got it (it was used), one of the clear fins had a cloudy line in it. After this flight, it was more pronounced. I assume it is due to stress at landing. There is nothing on the surface so it wasn't exhaust residue.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
I never would have bought this RTF, but it looks nice and flies well.

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out of 5