Reviews : Estes Crossfire ISX Model Rocket Kit

This model rocket reminds me of a dart. I have the components for a scratch build Crossfire ISX Model Rocket and would recommend these improvements, Epoxy, no wood glue, laminate paper covers on the fins with CA adhesive, for lightweight strength and angle bevel the leading edge instead of rounding. Do not glue the plastic nozzle, in the airframe and only use it for display, because it will melt over time. Since the airframe is so short, add an ejection baffle, for a more reliable deployment, chute not melting. Replace the rubber shock cord with 80lbs. nylon braided fishing line and 1 foot of bungie cord. These improvements will allow you to use composite 18mm rocket motors, with possible transonic to supersonic flights and exceeding 1,150 feet of altitude, depending on your launch conditions. I will be upscaling and up powering the Crossfire ISX to 24mm and 29mm rocket motors in 2 models.

I've bought several of these, most of which I've stashed away for the nose cone/tail cone combo. That said, I have built and flown one, but only because one of my flying buddies claimed that he couldn't stand his because he couldn't lose it. I wasn't 100% sure what he was getting at, but I pointed out to him that it flew dead straight every flight and looked great despite being saddled with sticker decals. He eventually came around. I built mine, painted it as shown on the package, and launched it at my local ball field. Dead straight flight, time after time. This is one of the better recent Estes designs and offers impressive small field performance, which is what I'm looking for the bulk of the time. No complaints here. More like this please.

Easy build with balsa fins that are going to require some prep work to get ready for paint. Fast moving rocket that reaches altitudes that make it easy to lose sight of if your unable to track it to apogee. Two minor criticisms though, there are only two fin decals so one side of your rocket will look like the manufacturers photo while the other side will be a fairly plain looking white rocket, second criticism: it is a light rocket, that reaches some decent altitude, with a parachute recovery, as a result it spends a lot of time under canopy and can travel some impressive distance with mild breezes. I recommend enlarging the chute hole to make it harder for the trees to get this one.

This is a fantastic little rocket. Easy to build right out of the box. Since the fins are balsa, not plastic, it'll raise your skill level slightly if you decide to paint the rocket. The fins will take a little bit more effort to sand/prime/paint to get a smooth finish, but that's part of the fun. I followed the red/white color theme on the box and the Crossfire is a great looking rocket. Other color combos would work well too, so use your imagination! Of course, if you decide against any cosmetic work, that's OK too! Regardless, this baby flies fast and high. You'll certainly have lot's of fun with the Crossfire.

Slightt difficult build with a fair amount of painting etc required including tricky tail piece. Flow really well and was amazed at the altitude gained. Have flown it about a dozen times before making it unserviceble and getting relegated to the parts bin. Small and fun little rocket but some detailed assembly and preparation is required for a top looking and performing rocket.

Because the body tube is so flimsy the slots for the fins make it almost impossible the get the body tube to a line along the fins. If you buy this kit I would through away the body tube that comes in the kit and buy the good old brownest-color body tube. This will require you to cut the fins flush at the root where it touches the body tube.

Excellent starter rocket kit. If you can build this rocket you'll be hooked. Great trajectory...lost it is a selfish moment of wanting to see it fly by launching it in the backyard, not a good idea. You need a large recovery area for this rocket if using a c6-5 engine.

Great little rocket for a beginner. Requires prep work for painting. I suggest painting with favorite colors, applying decals, and then applying a final coat of clear sealer for a lifetime of protection. You will enjoy assembling this rocket.

Yeah, it's a near basic model, but it's fun to create your own paint scheme (as I did). Good looking rocket. Easy to build. Will buy again!

Nice entry level kit. Clear directions. Bought this as part of a kit with the launch system and the amazon roket. Great value!

If good wind, do not fly on anything above an A8-3. Guaranteed loss on a C6-5 in 10 Mph wind if not a 5 acre field.

Excellent rocket, me and my boys had a blast launching it.

This rocket held up well for the 10 times we launched it