Brief:
I got this rocket at Zany Brainy for $9.99. I thought it was a cool rocket and I was right. It has a sparkled payload section that makes it stand out. Everyone has one or two rockets that they consider reliable and the Flash and the Alpha 3 are mine.

Construction:
This rocket is an E2X kit and is easy to build. I built it in an hour and a half (I was extra careful because it was the second rocket I owned) but now that I am more experienced (building 16 rockets already) I could build it in probably 45 min.

This kit has good instructions that are simple to follow. I built the whole thing with "Testors" Plastic Cement Glue. As soon as you open the kit throw out the shock cord and get one that is at least 3 feet long. Make sure to glue the fins in well because they popped out a couple of times on me. This rocket is very sturdy and can stand a hard impact (believe me, I know!). You will also need a razor knife to shave off some plastic to make things fit. PRO: Easy to build CON: Shock cord too small as with most Estes kits (come on Estes!)

Finishing:
This rocket is an E2X kit so you won't need to paint it. There are a few decals that spice up the rocket.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:
For my first flight, I used an A8-3 and it barely got off the ground. I used a B6-4 and it got some nice altitude. It really screams into the sky. Only use a C engine if you have a large field. Use no more than 4 sheets of wadding. Three sheets of wadding is more than enough for me. This rocket is very, very stable and flew as straight as a laser.

Recovery:
Don't use the shock cord mount that the instructions tell you to use! My shock cord broke on its third flight. I fixed it with a traditional tri-fold paper shock cord mount and you should use it too. Fifteen (15) flights later, the shock cord has no burns on it! Use the 12" chute that Estes provides in the kit but cut out a spill hole. If you don't make a spill hole, you will be chasing the rocket for a while.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
After 18 flights this rocket is still going strong even with some fins bent. I recommend this rocket to beginners and to experienced rocket builders because everybody would like this rocket.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5