Brief:
3FNC parachute recovery sport rocket with fin tip tubes and large full-color decals.

Construction:
1 BT-50, elliptical plastic nose cone, BT-20 motor mount with fiber centering rings, metal motor hook, and thrust ring. Balsa fins, launch lugs for each fin tip, large sheet of self-adhesive decals. 1/8" launch lug, 12" heavy-duty parachute with reinforcement rings, swivel, and elastic shock cord.

Received the kit from Apogee, with all parts in good shape. Standard hang tag bag. Instructions are not up to Estes quality (half point off) but are easy to follow and straightforward. No "gotchas". Everything fits fine. This rocket is very sturdy because the fins are swept forward, resulting in no damage upon landing.

Finishing:
Standard finishing: One coat of thinned Elmer's Wood Filler on the fins, one light Elmer's white glue fillet, two coats of high solids automotive primer with sanding, two coats of white automotive urethane enamel. Let dry, then painted the nose with rattle can purple. Gorgeous turnout. The decals really make the rocket, and they are very sophisticated.

Construction Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Flight:
A8-3, B4-4, B6-4. C6-5 are recommended by Quasar, but I followed Apogee's recommendation and flew it 3 times on 1/2A3-2Ts at a small park within walking distance from my house. Not much drama, but it flies nice on the 1/2As. No problems at all.

Recovery:
Elastic shock cord, tri-fold mount. Plastic parachute. All work fine. No damage on 3 flights.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
This kit is easy to build, is distinctive, has great decals, and is just a tad more deluxe than a standard 3FNC rocket. It flies great on 1/2As and should be outta sight on a C. Can't imagine flying it on a D.

The instructions aren't quite up to snuff, though.

Overall Rating: 4 ½ out of 5