The Phantom 4000 is one of the kits that North Coast Rocketry has had out for years. But, now that Estes has taken over North Coast Rocketry, the Phantom 4000 is now only available in this starter set. However, there have been many improvements made on the kit. One is the thick plastic centering rings. They are slotted so that the fins lock into them, adding strength to the fins and good alignment. The fins glue against the engine tube thus making them able to handle up to a H engine with no problem. The engine is retained by a plastic gorilla lock which works nice with the Dark Star motors, but I don't recommend it for reloadable engines. That's why I added the screw mounts as seen in the second picture. As with all North Coast kits, it comes with a heavy slotted body tube, laser cut plywood fins, nylon chute and heavy duty wire shock cord mount and decals. The rocket is a massive 4" diameter, 50" tall, and weighs 25 oz. 

The starter set comes with a Command Control launch controller. The controller features heavy duty wire leads wound on a spool that clips on the bottom of the controller for convenience. The controller has a variable voltage switch, off position, 7.2 volts (one rechargeable battery) and 14.4 volts (both rechargeables). The controller does not come with batteries, so you have to purchase them separately which run typically around $15.00 a piece. You can get by with one battery for Estes and North Coast 'Laserfire' igniters, but two batteries will give all day performance and clustering voltage power. The batteries can be easily recharged with the recharger jacks on the back. On the front panel of the controller it has a led voltage meter, a safety key hole and a arm and fire buttons (both buttons have to be depressed in order to launch). It also has an audio beeper to alert people that the launcher is armed. A nice professional safety feature.

The modular launch pad is a PVC pipe constructed tripod pad. It has a two piece 1/4"diameter launch rod and a heavy blast deflector. However, the hole in the leg joint for the launch rod on mine was drilled crooked, so I had to go to the hardware store and buy another PVC joint. (only $4.00). The pad is sturdy enough to handle a rocket up to six feet tall and up to 5 lbs. I saw this pad being sold separately for $70.00 at Hobby Lobby. I don't think this pad is worth that, since you can purchase the PVC parts for about ten bucks.

I bought the Phantom 4000 Starter Set for $110.00 at Hobby Town USA. This kit is well worth that. You get the massive Phantom 4000 rocket, a good swept fin designed beauty, which can fly with F,G and H powered engines. If you want to use Aerotech single use engines, then substitute the North Coast engine tube with a 29mm Loc Precision engine tube. That way you can use the North Coast 'Dark Star' engines and the Aerotech single use engines and also reloadable engine systems. The Phantom 4000 with the launch controller and launch pad is a great way to get started into mid and high powered rockets.