Features:

  • Launch controller, launch pad, and rocket assembly kit with materials and instructions required to assemble the rocket
  • Orange plastic nose cone, body tube, one-piece plastic tail fin unit, and self-stick decals for level E2X (Easy to Assemble) assembly skill
  • Projected maximum altitude of 1,100' (335m), 12" diameter parachute for rocket recovery
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older with adult supervision up to age 12
  • Requires model rocket engine, starters, recovery wadding, and glue (all sold separately)
  • Easy to assemble
  • Almost ready to fly
  • An Estes classic
  • Launch system included (Launchpad colors may vary)
  • Flies over 1100'
great first time rocket!

Enjoying building this rocket. The bright orange color is a PLUS as it helps in locating a rocket as it falls back to earth. A few key points: 1. ENGINES: research the correct model engine to get and buy them asap if you plan on getting them from Amazon as well, they only ship via ground method from what I understand and can take longer to arrive. 2. You will need glue to assemble the rocket, Elmer's glue or similar that has some elasticity is best. 3. The tube for the rocket may be tighter on one end then on the other, I would mount looser of the ends on the bottom of the rocket as that will be glued together and you will not need the additional material (tape) to adjust fit of the nose cone end.

Worth every penny.

Fantastic product!! I have a 7 and 5 year old girls who absolutely loved it. Putting it together was relatively simple. I supervised the construction and it took them about two hours to put it together over a couple of days. The 7 year old did the bulk of the work and the only reason we spread the work over a two-day period is because we had to wait for the paint to dry (cheap spray paint for our first project). I did a little research beforehand and purchased the engines and wadding at the same time we purchased the kit, so we had everything available when it was time to launch. For about $50 bucks total we had a great time. The Estes website offers lesson plans free of charge which enabled me to confidently discuss some basic concepts with the girls. They really enjoyed it! Moreover, we set up assigned launch positions, rotated them around, and they loved the entire launch production. We used two different engines and both worked great. Two A8-3 engines to start out, then we switched to a B6-2. They loved both. Naturally the B6-2 was a bit more exciting due to the extra altitude achieved. As a dad who is gently nudging his girls towards STEM related subjects, this was great. We spend quality time building it, and had a “blast” launching it!

was able to teach the basics of aerodynamics and it was easy to build (whole thing in about 1 hour)

Science Class for a Christian Youth Group required a rocket for them to see fly and understand. This model came complete and worked well, with lots of excitement, and participation. The system as a whole, was able to teach the basics of aerodynamics and it was easy to build (whole thing in about 1 hour). If you follow instructions well, this kit is for you. Engines must be ordered separately.

Great for first time rocket builders

Everything you need for the beginner. Go ahead and buy some of the larger engines for future flights but be sure to go to a wide open area to launch because the larger engines will make it travel probably 3 times the distance.

one step up from ready to launch

This kit is one step away from ready to launch giving you an opportunity to try an inexpensive rocket build that gives you a flyable rocket in a few easy steps. You or the kids can whet your whistle with this one and get a feel for bigger more complex rocket builds in the future. Enjoyable family fun quick build on a Friday night followed by a Sunday afternoon launch or whenever the glue dries.

What goes up must come down but hell if we know where!?!

This was a first rocket build and launch together. We had a lot of fun building it and then to see that work come to fruition with a successful launch makes the joy all the more greater. We are hoping to launch it a few more times but we lost sight of it and have no idea where it touched down at. I'm hoping that someone will see my Facebook post and return it but if not I am not worried. We are definitely planning on doing this more often!

I forgot how much fun model rocketry is

My 6 year-old and I had fun putting the rocket together Christmas morning (she dropped the Shopkins for the rocket), and after picking up some motors at the local hobby shop, we went to a local field and let 'er rip. Four launches and four successful recoveries later, and we're looking forward to building bigger and more intricate rockets. Can't wait for spring (or another good freeze).

Great toy for my five-year-old grandson

I know I am a kind of a nerd. I made many Estes rockets myself when I was a kid ages ago. I thought my grandson would enjoy this for his birthday and boy was I right. He enjoyed building it and then we immediately went and flew it several times. Easy to use and a lot of fun. Much better then and electronic game were you just sit in front of the TV.

Excellent Starter

Great starter kit. The Alpha III set has most of the basics for getting a simple model rocket into the air. The pre-molded plastic fin assembly was a huge relief as it reduced the effort of assembly, and increased confidence that the Alpha would fly straight and true. The launch set is easy to assembly and disassemble making for ease of movement to and from a potential launch site. Many motor selections available for the Alpha III chassis allows for low altitude launches in less ideal wind conditions, or more punchy motors for more extreme altitudes to keep the younger rocketeers excited and interested.

Great value, easy assembly.

This kit comes with everything. All you need is scissors and glue. We are still using the launch pad and ignition system with many other rockets, Never had an issue. The rockets eventually have to be replaced, but there or endless options. Our launch pad has seen atleast 25+ launches without any problems.

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