Reviews : Estes Tandem-X Model Rocket Starter Set

This is a perfect starter kit for the parent/kid team, it combines a super easy to build Amazon and a little higher skill level Cross-Fire. The Amazon is a plastic fin/motor mount module rocket while the Cross-Fire is a traditional cardboard tube rocket motor mount with balsa fins rocket. We ended with a slight kink to the Amazon due to the coupling being a little sloppy in joining the two sections of the rocket body together that wasn't realized until the glue had set up, the rocket still flies straight though so I haven't felt the need to correct this cosmetic issue (besides, I'm the only one who can see it). Both rockets fly good with the Cross-Fire being a fast mover and the Amazon launching like it has some mass and building steam. The launch pad that comes in this kit is a pretty sturdy unit and is impressive for the entry price to rocketry, it breaks down easily for transport and storage and makes accommodation to mount other guide wire diameters so you can launch mini's. The launch control we received with our kit was yellow but otherwise is the same as pictured, it has a safety key that my 5 y/o is unable to press and make the connection necessary to launch, as a result it takes both of us to launch a rocket (which is good). We have not had a failure to launch with this controller with one exception that was easily attributed to a faulty igniter.

Simply, a great value for any rocket starter set! WOW...two rockets and a launcher for this price...you can't go wrong with this kit. The Amazon rocket assembly is very easy for any age. Cardboard rocket tubes, plastic fins, plastic nose cone, self adhesive decals...minimal gluing. Heck, you can have this one out of the bag, constructed, and flying within 30 minutes even if you're slow... ;-)! Instant satisfaction for the kids (and adults). The 2nd rocket, the Crossfire is also easy to build, but will need a little bit more time if you want to make it like the picture. The fins with this model rocket are balsa wood which will require a small amount of effort to paint. However, the end result is a beautiful rocket that will raise your skill level above the first rocket, the Amazon. However, if you don't want to paint it, that works too. It's just not as pretty as it disappears into the daylight sky...lol. Both rockets fly very well, so no issue there. Remember, this kit does NOT include rocket motors so don't forget to purchase a few. B6-4 or C6-5 would be my recommendation...around $8 for 3ea. Now, quit reading these reviews and go order/build your rockets. If these are your first rockets, you're going to have a blast!!! Have fun...

The Crossfire ISX is a very nice rocket and the Amazon rocket in this kit is fine, but under powered. A simple upgrade is to purchase Estes Booster-55 Part no. 2257. The plastic fins should exchange, cut and peel off the black paper staging coupler on the booster. After removing the factory glue, scuff the plastic with course sandpaper and epoxy to the base of the Amazon tube and they are both black in color. Now you have a 24mm motor mount fin can in place of the 18mm motor mount fin can, but an 18mm motor adapter can still be used. Swap over the rubber shock cord for 150 inches of 80 lbs. stranded nylon fishing line and mount with epoxy. Add nose weight to compensate for the increase in engine mass, add extra wadding and your now C-11 ,or D-12 powered Amazon rocket will reach up to 1200 feet, surpassing Estes Top Shot, or Show Stopper. The launcher is adequate for the D motor mod, so record with video for better chance of recovery and have fun with this trick upgrade.

We purchased this set last Christmas (2012), unfortunately it took us until October to finally get them built and boy were we missing out! I do have to say that you need to purchase some modeling glue and the recovery wadding. I am new at this and not realizing I needed these things held us up a bit. I have 4 boys (ages 10 and under). They loved putting the rockets together with their dad. We finally launched and it went perfect. We set it off 3x and had our neighbors watching from across the field. A week later we got them out again. I love to see the excitement on my kids faces as it launches and to see them run to recover the rocket. Buying more engines this Christmas!!! This brings me back to 8th grade science class - the first time I built my own rocket. Would definitely recommend!

Great kit! with everything you need to get rocketing except glue paint motors and batteries. The Amazon was an awesome rocket and very easy to assemble. Loved the easy fit plastic parts , finally wore out the motor retainer but repaired it with super glue and left over plastic lugs after about 20 launches , great value. Good combination of a large and small rocket included with a launch pad and that is still going strong. Launcher failed after 30 flights due to safety not engaging , purchased another one for approxamately $7 on sale to keep the kit going.

I bought this starter kit so i could get back into model rockets on a budget. Unfortunately this does not come with the launcher and starter shown, i received the Astron II starter/launcher. This is a step down from the launcher and starter pictured, it uses a 9 volt battery opposed to 4AA batteries, plus they are both bright orange. I don't want to write a negative review but this has pushed me to write my first negative review, for anything. I do feel that this is worth the price but its not what i thought i was going to get.

How can you go wrong? For a beginner set, this is perfect! You receive a giant Amazon rocket that is super easy to assemble (to get your feet wet). Then, after building the Amazon, you can progress into building the Crossfire. The Crossfire is a wonderful rocket. Reliable and well designed and built. This is a great pair of rockets. Plus, you receive the launch set for future rockets in your fleet. Definitely recommend!

With the exception of motors and batteries, this set has everything the first timer needs to get started in the hobby. The Amazon is a credible almost ready to fly bird that can be built the night before your first launch, and is a decent performer on small fields when loaded with a B6-4. Once you wet your whistle with the Amazon, move on to the Crossfire, which adds beginning construction and painting techniques to the mix.

This is a great starter kit. The Amazon rocket is very easy to build and goes pretty high with the C6-5 engine. They should sell that rocket by itself (mine ended up in a tree). The Crossfire takes a little more time and skill to put together, but it goes really high for a small rocket (1250 feet with the C6-5). I set if off on a cloudy day and it disappeared; came down 2 minutes later about 150-200 yards away.

Nice kit but the launch system is different than the one pictured. Two great rocket to get started into the hobby. Built them with my son and it was great. Great directions everything we needed but the motors and a battery. Wish the launch was the one pictured as the one supplied is a cheaper version.

This was the first starter kit I bought. It was a great value, and includes everything you need for your first launch with the exception of the engines. My only recommendation is that you put an extra piece of wadding in the Amazon or you may burn your chute.

This is a wonderful package to begin with. Everything is supplied to get you in the air minus engines and recovery wadding. Easy to assemble and loads of fun. You can not go wrong with this kit.

I think this is a pretty good deal i bought this a while back and its great easy to assemble and really fun. I would greatly recommend this to others great deal for price. :)

i just finished it yesterday i shot it up and lost the amazon. it was a lot of fun

This rocket has everything. It is awesome. Also it requires a shock cord.