As a mom to an 11 year old boy that is always outside doing something active, I was more than happy to accept a wonderful delivery of three model rockets from Estes Rockets to test out. I definitely prefer to keep my kid outside doing things that stimulate his mind instead of the indoor activities like TV and video games. With the weather heating up and school being out in a few weeks, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Before I tell you about our experience with the rockets, let me give you some background on this popular hobby as well as Estes’s background.
According to the company, there are an estimated 9.6 million model rockets launched every year by 2 million enthusiasts of all ages. Approximately one-third of this number includes girls, which is an inspiring stat to hear. Giving kids the opportunity to explore this type of activity can very often spark a lifelong interest in everything from science, math, engineering and technology to space travel. Model rocketry is a great activity for kids 10 and up (adult supervision recommended under 12), an age where it begins getting harder to keep kids engaged without digital devices.
Estes is a leading manufacturer of innovative hobby products for the model rocket industry. The company’s mission is to continue the philosophy that Vern Estes established over 50 years ago for exceptional quality and value. Designed by modelers for modelers, the company wants to ensure that every consumer experience with an Estes product is enjoyable from the moment they open the package to the everyday use of the products.
Estes Rockets offers a wide variety of rockets from ready-to-fly models that come fully assembled to kits that can be put together in roughly an hour. In addition, the model rockets come in all sizes, colors and altitude capabilities from 100 to several thousand feet. The models that we received were part of the Estes Air Rocket line, which means they are powered by air and nothing more. The models require very little assembly and they were easy enough for us to put together in a matter of minutes. Here are my thoughts on the rockets that we received:
* Mini Blaster Air Rocket Launch Set – this air-powered rocket (no batteries needed—yay!) was the easiest of the three to assemble –we had to affix a few stickers, build the foam launch base and connect the air tubes, which really only took about 5 minutes (maybe less). The set contains 2 mini blaster rockets (one of which is currently on our roof) as well as the launch pad, sturdy rubber ball and hose for launching. This Mini Blaster Air Rocket can reach up to 50 feet and is ideal for kids 3 years old and up. It is available for $12.99.
* Whirlwind Air Rocket Launch Set – this is a fantastic rocket that provides a ton of fun for all ages. The Whirlwind is a great air rocket that can launch up to 150 feet, so I would recommend taking this one to the park if you don’t have a huge backyard. This rocket stands almost a foot tall, has dual “propellers” on the side and contains a foam nose cone that creates a “bounce” for quick and easy recovery. This rocket was also fairly easy to put together and took less than 10 minutes. The Whirlwind Air Rocket is recommended for ages 10 and up. It is available for $27.99.
* Sonic Booom Air Rocket Launch Set – this rocket stands almost a foot tall, pumped up and ready to go, the Sonic Booom can climb to 150 feet! It is very similar to the Whirlwind Air Rocket in that it took about the same assembly time, launches to the same altitude and has a foam nose cone for bouncing and recovery. This rocket looks a little different from the others with its black foam fins located at the base of the rocket. You’ll be the hit of the summer barbeque if you bring this blaster along. The Sonic Booom is available for $27.99.
The rockets are available on the Estes web site and at a variety of locations around the country.
Disclaimer: Kristine has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
I do like that these rockets don’t require batteries. They seem easy to assemble and I am sure that kids of all ages (Adults included) would love to play with them.
Those look like great fun toys. I like that they don’t require batteries and can be used again and again (after you get the one off the roof)
What a super fun activity for kids and adults too. When I have family over, I always like to have some fun games or projects to keep the kids busy. Can be a challenge finding something for kids who are a bit older so I think this would be the thing.
Goodness I bet he had fun with those! These are much safer then the ones that have a charge to them. I remember years ago, my brothers got one, and it was assembled like a real rocket. These go pretty high too. I like the one that has the foam recovery – it can be used over and over.