Brief:
Seeker is a single stage low power rocket rated level 2/3 for construction.

Construction:
The parts list:

• 1 Large Body Tube
• 1 Small Body Tube
• 1 Steel Eyelet
• 1 Engine Tube
• 1 Engine Hook
• 2 Centering Rings
• 1 Engine Block Ring
• 1 Screw for Nose Cone Weight
• 1 Launch Lug
• 1 Nose Cone
• 1 Body Tube Transition
• 1 Mylar Parachute Kit
• 1 Kevlar Shock Cord and Flat Shock Cord Kit
• 1 Balsa Fin Stock Sheet

The instructions were great and easy to follow with helpful tips and photos included. Assembly is fairly typical for an Estes type rocket except the fins are not precut, however this is standard for Thrustline kits. Aligning all eight fins is not that difficult if care is used. The Kevlar shock cord is mounted around the motor mount for extra durability. Cut the launch lug in two angled pieces and attach.

Finishing:
The nose cone and fins are balsa and require usual preparation for finishing. I typically use Elmer's Fill 'n' Finish for this purpose. For additional strength, the directions suggest coating the fins with a layer of thinned white glue, yellow glue, or CA. If you try this, coat both sides at once to avoid warpage. No finishing scheme is suggested, so you're free to use whatever you like. I primed it several times, sanding between coats and used a two color orange to black fade. I applied a couple coats of clear coat over this for the desired shine. No decals are provided with this kit.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
Preparation is typical for this type of rocket. An A8-5 is recommended for the first flight but I think an A8-3 is meant. Pack with wadding and let 'er rip. The flight profile is excellent for this rocket. Be sure and align upper and lower fins before launching. The Seeker really leaps from the pad and flies very straight. A 'B' engine will take it to about 500 feet and a 'C' engine to about 1000 feet.

Recovery:
The Kevlar shock cord is attached at the motor mount. The elastic shock cord is tied to a loop at the end of the Kevlar. A mylar parachute is included with the kit but I substituted a Thrustline rip stop nylon chute for it. The five second delay seems perfect for the B and C engines.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
As usual with Thrustline, this is a well conceived rocket with a great design and wonderful flight characteristics. Once you finish it, you really feel like you've built rather than assembled something. Your reward is in the look and flight of the rocket.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5