Best model rocket sets for first-time launchers

So you want to launch a model rocket but have never done so? It must be difficult, right? It is rocket science, after all…

Fortunately, there are kits today that make it as easy as just opening the box, loading in an engine and finding a safe place from where to fly. Of course, there are also beginner’s kits — some of which are profiled below — that include basic, step-by-step assembly instructions, adding to what many find fun and challenging about the model rocketry hobby.

Estes Industries’ NASA SLS model rocket kit is ready to fly out of the box, offering a quick way to stage your own backyard moon missions. (Image credit: Amazon)Estes Rockets NASA SLS

It’s pre-assembled, pre-painted and it doubles up as a display rocket.

Specifications

Length: 19.4-inches (49.3 cm)

Diameter: 1.64-inches (0.42 cm)

Weight: 1.19 kg

Recommended engines: C5-3, C6-3

Launch system: Porta-Pad II

Projected maximum altitude: 350 ft. (107 m)

Recovery system: 15-inches (38.1 cm) Parachute

Age: 10+

Reasons to buy+

Ready out of the box

Looks awesome

Affordable

Doubles up as a display model

Reasons to avoid-

It might be a bit basic for experienced flyers

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Engines sold separately

So you are eager to get started and just want to skip to the launch — well, why not start with NASA’s next-generation heavy-lift rocket that will send the next astronauts to the moon?

SLS (Space Launch System) comes out of the box pre-assembled and pre-painted. In fact, it can double as a display model worthy of any office or space enthusiast’s room.

Pre-launch preparations are as easy as attaching the included transparent fins and loading the rocket with an Estes C6-3 engine (sold separately). You will also need a launch pad and controller, which can be used with most, if not all, of the rockets you will build and fly.

Estes Rockets’ Alpha III comes with all of the parts to quickly and easily assemble into a flying model rocket, including pre-colored body tube, nose cone and fins. (Image credit: Amazon)Estes Rockets Alpha III

The Alpha III is the classic rocket, advancing from ready-to-fly to an easy-to-assemble kit.

Specifications

Length: 12.1 in. (30.7 cm)

Diameter: 0.98 in. (0.25 cm)

Weight: 0.34 kg

Recommended engines: 1/2A6-2, A8-3, A8-5, B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7

Launch system: Porta-Pad II

Projected maximum altitude: 1150 ft. (351 m)

Recovery system: 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute

Age: 10+

Reasons to buy+

Classic look

High maximum altitude

Almost ready to fly

Reasons to avoid-

Might be a bit much for younger users

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Engines sold separately

Alpha III requires only glue and other common household tools (for example, scissors) to create a rocket that flies as high as 1,150 feet (350 meters). The body tube, nose cone and fins come in attractive black and orange colors and the set includes stickers to add to the decorations.

The Alpha III kit also introduces the basic assembly of the engine mount and recovery system (parachute) the will become the basis for many other more advanced rockets.

Estes’s Alpha III rocket sports a striking orange aesthetic along with a lightweight and slender design, which helps to create an awesome look as it soars through the air. It’s compatible with several Estes engines and would be great fun for any beginner getting into model rocketry.

Estes Industries’ Journey Launch Set includes the model rocket and the portable pad and controller needed to set it soaring. (Image credit: Estes)Estes Rockets Journey Launch Set

The Journey Launch Set from Estes Rockets has everything you need to launch, minus an engine

Specifications

Length: 19.3 in. (49 cm)

Diameter: 0.98 in. (0.25 cm)

Weight: 0.51 kg

Recommended engines: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7

Launch system: Porta-Pad II

Projected maximum altitude: 1100 ft. (335 m)

Recovery system: 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute

Age: 10+

Reasons to buy+

Great look

High maximum altitude

Everything needed to launch included

Journey is the set for you. Its high altitude, low weight and launch set make it a fun and engaging experience for beginners.

The kit not only includes a rocket designed for the beginner, with the same ease to build, but also the Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam Launch Controller, so you can launch as soon as you complete assembly! (Not included, but needed are engines, AA batteries, recovery wadding and starters, sold separately).

There’s no reason this wouldn’t be a good option for more experienced users, either, but with everything you need to launch, a maximum altitude of over 1000 feet and a striking aesthetic, this rocket is a top choice for beginners.

Estes Industries’ Rascal & HiJinks set includes two model rockets — double the fun for two hobbyists, siblings or yourself! (Image credit: Amazon)Estes Rockets Rascal & Hijinks set

What’s better than one model rocket? Two, of course!

Specifications

Length: 14.5 in. (36.8 cm)

Diameter: 0.98 in. (0.25 cm)

Weight: 0.42 kg

Recommended engines: A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7 w/Engine Adapter (sold separately): A10-3T

Launch system: Porta-Pad II

Projected maximum altitude: 1100 ft. (335 m)

Recovery system: 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute

Age: 10+

Reasons to buy+

2-in-1 set

High maximum altitude

colorful aesthetic, great for kids

Reasons to avoid-

Engines sold separately

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basic design

Rascal & HiJinks are perfect if you and a friend (or two siblings) want to share in the fun, or you just want the quick enjoyment of two launches in succession.

You still need the extras as identified with the Journey Launch Set, like the engines and recovery wadding, but there is no assembly required.

Just like the Journey Launch set, the Rascal and Hijinks set from Estes wouldn’t go amiss for more experienced flyers. But, you get a 2-in-1, it’s ready to launch, minus a couple of extras, and with a low weight and a cool look, it’s great fun and a top choice for beginners.

(Image credit: Amazon)Stomp Rocket Ultra Rockets

Fun for kids, safe for kids

Specifications

Length: 11.46 in. (36.8 cm)

Diameter: 3.5 in. (0.25 cm)

Weight: 0.39 kg

Recommended engines: N/A

Launch system: Air powered

Projected maximum altitude: 200 ft. (61 m)

Recovery system: N/A

Age: 5+

Reasons to buy+

6 total rockets included

Safe materials for children

Easy entry point to model rockets for kids

Reasons to avoid-

Not suitable for older users

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Very basic design

Naturally, beginners include young kids and Stomp Rockets are ideal for little ones as they’re a great entry point into what model rockets can do.

Made of plastic and foam, and without the need for electronics, engines, explosives and any cords and sharp parts, kids can get their hands on and launch a colorful rocket up to 200 feet in the air.

It’s a great STEM kit and all it takes is for someone to stomp (or jump) on the pad, which will send a jet of air through a tube into the launch stand and propel the rocket up into the air. Of course, it’s aimed at younger kids and an adult looking to launch a model rocket would become bored with this fairly quickly, but it’s a great starting point for young ones and it’s safe for them to use.

(Image credit: Amazon)National Geographic Power Rocket

Safe for kids, this rocket uses a propeller to achieve heights of 200 feet.

Specifications

Length: 12 in. (30.5 cm)

Diameter: 5.2 in. (13.2 cm)

Weight: 0.26 kg

Recommended engines: N/A

Launch system: Propeller powered

Projected maximum altitude: 200 ft. (61 m)

Recovery system: N/A

Age: 8+

Reasons to buy+

Electric motor simulates launch

Safe for kids

Inexpensive and ready to launch

Reasons to avoid-

Not suitable for older users

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Low maximum altitude

Another top, safe-for-kids option, the National Geographic Power Rocket uses a motorized propeller to take off and simulate a launch, without the need for ignition or explosives.

There’s no hiding that this is better suited to kids rather than adults looking to take their first steps into model rocketry, but with three different modes, a maximum altitude of 200 feet and a rechargeable battery that will power 20 flights on a single charge, it’s hard to look past this rocket as a top option.

The real plus side of this rocket is that it simulates the excitement of a launch thanks to its motor; it’s made of safe materials, so kids can get hands-on and you don’t need recovery wadding as a secondary rotor extends out on descent, which allows it to return to the ground safely. It’s an inexpensive, safe and engaging way to get kids excited about model rocketry.