Great first mid-power rocket. I have flown mine six times with six different motors and each one was perfect. After these flights I am pretty much done with black-powdered rockets. I think Aerotech makes a very well designed and durable product. I have purchased three different models from them. But, be sure you understand the build process before you start applying glue to the tight fitting parts. The instructions are okay, but I might be a little critical about detailed instructions (my first engineering job was writing manufacturing instructions for the Space Shuttle's SRBs).

This was my first time dealing with a Mid-Power rocket kit. I chose the ARCAS kit based on reviews from others that had nothing but good things to say regarding the quality of the materials used and the attention to detail. Upon opening the box and putting your hands on the parts, the quality becomes apparent. All parts are easily identified using the supplied instruction manual which also includes easy to follow drawings and explanations. Like I said, this was my first time building a rocket from a kit, let alone a mid power, and I did not have any issues with assembly, other than the occasional part needing some sanding for a good fit. The whole thing took me about two days (due to 2 young children) but could easily be done in a day. After finishing assembly, I'm having a hard time keeping my hands off it, the rocket is Solid. There is not a flimsy part on this baby and feels like it could handle a rougher than usual landing. As a first time builder or a seasoned vet, it would be tough to find a better kit for the price that is as high quality and as good looking as this one is.

The HV Arcas is a very nice mid-power kit. The build is pretty simple and can be completed using just medium CA glue. Take your time cutting the fin can. The instructions suggest a hobby knife, but I found that to be the wrong tool. After drawing the lines on the can, draw them on the inside as well, then cut through the inside with a sharp kitchen knife. That's the only part of the build where I deviated from the instructions. At a height of 56this is a substantial rocket. For paint I used a couple of coats of Dupli-Color 2 in 1 hi-build gray primer, followed by 2 coats of Dupli-Color White Sandable Primer. (this combination helped fill the spiral grooves on the body tube. For color, I used Bupli-Color Red Metal Specks paint, along with Testors White Lightning lacquer. It turned out very well. All of these paints and primers are lacquer based. Hobbylinc has the Testors, and the Dupli-Color primers and paints are found at auto parts stores. (Napa, O'Reilly's etc). Craig