Brief:
This is a new Estes rocket that comess as a whole kit including launch pad, controller and (2) engines. I found it at Wal-Mart for $20 and could not pass up such a good price.

Construction:
This comes with:

• a very detailed instruction sheet with pictures. The instructions call it a "Deluxe Super Shot / Screw Machine".
• Plastic nose cone
• (4) body tubes
• screw couplers
• plastic engine mount and cap
• (3) type sets of (4) plastic fins
• 18" estes plastic parachute (assembled)
• 1/4 x 24" shock cord

This was extremely easy to build. Using nothing but CA (Super Glue), I had this rocket ready to fly in about 10 minutes. All you have to do is glue a few of the body tubes together, and glue together the engine mount which comes in two halves. The fins do NOT glue in. By removing the twist cap that holds the engine in, you can switch fins out between every flight in just seconds. The first fin set looks like the Mini Mean Machine, the same fins upside down (forward swept) for the second set, and like the Alpha shape with the third set. The way the body tubes just screw together gives a few choices of rocket length for each launch. It comes with a two foot shock cord, but I would use one 4-6 feet long at least. This one is going to go very high on a C.

Finishing:
Being a fan of the old days, when I would have never considering messing with a kit that did not have balsa fins, I have to be honest and admit that I think these new little kits from Estes with the plastic fins, do make for some fine rockets. This goes together with nothing but some CA (Super Glue). No paint required. No decals required as it is printed "SCREW MACHINE" on one of the prismatic body tubes. I have never seen a simple systems that allows for changing out fins just as quick as the motor, which works great. I am certain that this would fly well on a D engine with modification to the engine mount area alone.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
Using the B6-4s that came with it, the forward swept fins and all body tubes, stock chute system, it tested out just fine. The flights went to about 500-600 feet.

Recommended Motors: A8-3, B4-2, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6

Recovery:
Flight recovery was fine, but like most inexpensive rocket kits, the shock cord was two short. While it is 2 feet it should be at least 6. Also, with a low powered rocket which will quickly scoot to nice heights, the recovery system could be improved with a 2 foot section of Kevlar cord. The body tube connector designed for the base tube and engine area has an X shape which would be perfect for mounting a cord.

Flight Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:
This is a good rocket kit for a steal of a price. The rocket alone is worth the $20.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5