001256 - Alpha III®

Customer Reviews

nice rocket Review by fly high

I got this as my first rocket frome michaels easy and fun to assemble.The first time i launched it was fast and went high
(Posted on 4/28/13)

Use nothing bigger than B6-4 Review by John

Beware, this rocket goes so high, so fast that you may not be able to recover it. Live and learn. B6-4 is the biggest engine I would recommend... I used a C6-5 on the first and only launch. One month later, I think it may orbiting the Earth (or Moon). (Posted on 4/10/13)

Great beginner build Review by millermonster

This is a good rocket. Of course, I have to recommend using a smaller engine. I have been in the hobby for years and figured I could use a C6-5 engine. Luckily, because of experience, I was able to get it back after it made it to a height of 1350'. But I do not suggest using such large engines in it as it is pretty small and fast. A8-3 seems to be perfect for our purposes in this rocket. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eAu0nYC0qE (Posted on 1/23/13)

Good bang for the buck! Review by Scott

I rejoined this hobby due to my daughters science project and this was the right way to go. Fast assembly and no hassles. Ready to fly in less than 30 minutes with the right glue. Launched the rocket 6 times and it held up to the abuse. It would probably for quite a while! Nice job Estes. Its good to be back!! (Posted on 11/20/12)

loved it. lost it Review by ejeeperguy

Built rockets with the boys.This one was mine. In reading all the other reviews I thought I was the only one to lose it. Now I don't feel so bad about others doing the same. It flew up great and then it was gone. Boy do I miss my rocket. (Posted on 10/29/12)

Loved it, lost it! Review by Aviyaytor

The Alpha III also comes with a launcher starter kit, and I bought the first one-sucessful launch, no recovery. Second kit we bought- sucessful launch, and again No recovery! Bummed out because it flew so well. I WILL buy another one, and this one WILL be recovered....I hope! (Posted on 10/4/12)

Daughter's First Rocket Review by Jerz Mike

Easy to build and great looking rocket. The wind took it on its maiden flight and we never recovered. I wish I saw some of these comments before launching it. Daughter was devastated we couldn't recover. ESTES NOTE: Always use the first flight recommended engine for a greater chance of recovery. (Posted on 9/27/12)

Alpha III Review by MSA

This Rocket should be named Old Reliable. I started my interest in rocketry with the starter kit 15 years ago. I have flown the original twice this year. 30+ flights, It has never disappointed me. (Posted on 9/22/12)

One of the best Review by Joshua

I have had this for years. Just make sure to use a lot of wadding. (Posted on 9/9/12)

great beginner set Review by cam and griff

We have a school next door with large soccer fields and they have worked perfect. We have 6 launches so far and 6 successfull recoveries. Dad recommends staying with the a8-3 engines for his 8 and 4 year old. Goes plenty high for them. They cant wait till we get more engines. Invited two of our uncles over to experience it too. They were in model rocket club when they were younger. They loved it (Posted on 8/27/12)