This was one of my son's first rockets. It had quite a checkered flight history, finishing up last summer when one of the new Estes .44 MAGNUM ejection charges caused the external motor hook to rip down the side of the rocket. It tore a hook width strip of body tube about an inch long down the side of the rocket. Needless to say, I think it's had it's last flight. I think it would be a better rocket if the hook were left off ala the Estes Wizard and the engine was just friction fitted with masking tape. Use the hook and mylar ring for another project.