Brief:
This is a starter set that includes the Army and Air Force mini engine E2X series kits with parachute recovery, launch pad, controller, two A10-3T motors, igniters, plugs, and wadding. I purchased this kit at Wal-Mart for $19.99, not bad for two rockets. By image, the Army is a shortened AGM-57X Heetseeker while, the Air Force is a shortened MK-109 Stingray.

Construction:
The kits included the body tubes, motor mounts, fins, shock cords, nose cones, clay weights, 12 inch pre-assembled parachutes and decals. The instructions were very simple to understand and included the shock cord mounts. Being in the E2X series, these rockets were very simple to assemble. I had them both assembled in about an hour and a half.

Since both rockets are assembled exactly, I am writing this as if I was assembling a single rocket. I started with the motor mount. I decided to eliminate the motor hook because it tends to interfere with the motor exhaust. Also because scale-like models like these look better without the hook anyway. Next the completed motor mount is slid into the slotted end of the body tube. The fins and launch lugs are then glued into place to secure the entire assembly. I then assembled the shock cord mount, waited for it to dry and then glued it into place. I inserted the provided clay nose weight into the nose cone as these rockets need this weight to fly stable. I then tied the parachutes into place to finish the assembly.

PROS: Fast and simple construction, excellent parts fit.

CONS: Can't think of any.

Finishing:
Due to the pre-colored components, these rockets do not require painting. All you do is apply the Army decals to the olive drab rocket and apply the Air Force decals to the white and black rocket.

PROS: No painting required.

CONS: None

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Flight:
The recommended motors for these rockets are the A3-4T and the A10-3T. These rockets do require recovery wadding. I recommend about four sheets. The hooks hold the motors in place during the flights. However I decided to friction fit my motors.

For my first flights, I used the two A10-3T's provided. Since there was some wind, both rockets weathercocked slightly. On the second try, I used the A3-4T for each rocket. Due to a somewhat stiff wind and the lower thrust of that motor caused both rockets to weathercock severely. On the third try, I went back to the A10-3T. Due to calm wind, this resulted in two perfectly straight flights.

PROS: Nice flight characteristics.

CONS: Tends to weathercock in windy conditions.

Recovery:
These rockets use 12 inch parachutes for recovery. This proved adequate on the first flights.On the second flights, the severe weathercock and long delay stripped both chutes. I now decided to convert both rockets to use dual streamer recovery because I figured that that would help to get the heavy nose cones away from the body tubes to prevent "Estes Dents" as I had a slight one on the Air Force rocket due to the short shock cords. This proved to work even better than the parachutes.

PROS: Easy and quick recovery.

CONS: Parachutes and short shock cords. Streamers would work better.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
I really like this set. I feel that it would make a great set for a newcomer. However, I would lengthen the shock cords to prevent "Estes Dents" or use the dual streamer recovery as I did. Also, if you enjoyed this review, head to your local Wal-Mart and pick this set up for yourself for a mere $20.

Main PROS: Nice rockets and a great value for newcomers.

Main CONS: Too short shock cords. Please lengthen them.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5