Best Model Rockets of 2026

"I mainly got this for the controller and base, and both are simple, quick to set up, and sturdy for small or medium rockets. The rocket included was a bonus—it flew straight, hit impressive heights, and landed safely every time. The kit's a solid gift idea, just remember you'll need to buy engines and wadding separately."

"This kit is exactly what I wanted as a beginner—easy to assemble, clear instructions, and perfect for first-time launches. The rocket and launcher worked great, though I wish it came with a storage box like older sets. Just note, you have to purchase engines and wadding yourself."

"I got this for my Godson and he absolutely loves it. His mom mentioned it was super easy to set up and use, and it keeps everyone entertained for hours. Definitely a great choice for family fun!"

"Building this rocket brought back a wave of nostalgia and excitement—it's the first model I ever built as a kid. I love that Big Bertha is perfect for careful, detailed construction and creative customization. I even experimented with different motor setups and added modern recovery systems for slower, more dramatic descents. This kit is a fantastic way to relive old memories while enjoying the craft of model rocketry."

"Sharing this rocket with my son was a real joy—Big Bertha is just as I remembered from my childhood. We spent hours assembling and painting, and the look on his face during our first launch was priceless. This is the ideal starter rocket for anyone who wants to truly build and create something, not just snap together pre-fab parts. It's a classic that delivers lasting memories and hands-on learning."

"I gifted this kit to my grandson for his birthday, and it was a huge hit at the launch field. He was able to put it together with just a bit of help and handled the launch pad setup himself. The rocket soared impressively high, drawing a crowd of excited kids. While the parachute tore after a couple of flights, overall, it was a memorable and exciting gift that made me the 'best grandma ever.'"

"I bought this rocket kit for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and I’m glad I did. The design and quality are almost identical to what I remember from decades ago, though the main tube feels a bit thinner than my old one. Can’t wait to build and launch it with my grandsons and put it on display in my office. It’s a true classic."

"Building and flying this rocket has reminded me why Der Red Max is a favorite after all these years. The kit is easy to assemble, the design is timeless and fun, and it comes with a big sheet of decals that are a blast to apply. It’s great for beginners, and the flight is impressive yet manageable, making recovery easy. I keep coming back to this model for a reason."

"I picked up this kit to build with my kids and while the assembly took a bit longer than expected, the end result was worth it. The rocket looks fantastic, even though I experimented with the colors, and it launches beautifully. I’d recommend using a slightly stronger engine for better parachute deployment. Great project for families, just allow plenty of time for building and drying."

"I've been building model rockets since the late 1960s, and the Alpha is still my go-to for introducing new hobbyists. It's a forgiving, easy-to-build kit that doesn't require fancy tools, and it flies great—even for beginners. Just remember, you'll need to buy engines and a launch system separately, or opt for a starter set. My advice: start with the lowest powered engine and go higher as you gain confidence."

"I picked up this kit for my 11-year-old, and with some help from his older sibling, we had it built quickly and painlessly. The instructions were clear, the parts fit well, and the price was a real bargain. It's a great way for kids to get into model rocketry without spending a lot, and we enjoyed customizing its look as a fun family project."

"I consider the Alpha a must-have for any model rocket fan—it's a true classic and looks great on display. While I think it's a bit overpriced, you can't beat its flight performance. If you're launching in a smaller area, stick with an 'A' engine; anything bigger and you'll risk losing it as it soars out of sight."

"I picked this up as a gift for a neighbor’s child and, to my delight, both he and his older brother absolutely loved playing with it. My daughter joined in and had so much fun she wanted one for herself! I really appreciate that it’s affordable, durable, and doesn’t need batteries—just a wonderful choice for kids."

"I purchased this for my 10-year-old’s birthday and it was a hit with the whole family. Assembly was a breeze, it’s lightweight yet sturdy, and we had tons of laughs. The light-up rockets make nighttime play extra special."

"What impressed me most about this National Geographic rocket launcher is its combination of genuine educational value and rugged build quality. My 8-year-old has put it through months of use, and it consistently launches rockets high and withstands rough play. The included experiment guide and the visible LED rockets make it as educational as it is fun."

"As a beginner, I found this rocket extremely easy to put together. Building it was both motivating and educational, and it felt amazing to actually make something with my own hands. For a first-time rocket, this would definitely be my top pick."

"My kids had a blast with this rocket! It was simple to assemble, and after more than a dozen launches, it still looks perfect. The kids were shocked by how high it soared. I highly recommend it for some outdoor family fun."

"I was disappointed that the launchpad wasn't included, even though the photos made it look like it was. Make sure you read the details carefully. Still, I have to admit that Estes rockets are great quality overall."

"I've put together many Estes kits since the 1960s, and this Patriot model is a standout. The construction is straightforward, and the quality is consistently top-notch. I especially appreciate the improvements Estes has made over the years, like switching to more precise plastic parts. I enjoy building and flying scale models, and this one brings back memories of my time in the military."

"This was my third rocket build, and the instructions were incredibly easy to follow. I spent a couple of hours assembling it, then painted it the next day in my own style. The rocket's flight was stable and impressive, even on its first launch. I highly recommend this kit for anyone interested in model rocketry."

"As a parent, I loved how simple it was to put together this rocket with my kids. The instructions made everything straightforward, and my children had a blast painting and launching it with me. It's a fantastic, beginner-friendly kit for family fun."

"I built this rocket with my eight-year-old daughter, and it turned out to be a fantastic starter project. She learned how to cut, sand, glue, and paint balsa fins, and even took home a blue ribbon for her first hand-built rocket at the fair. I’ve assembled about 20 rockets over the years, and honestly, this is among the best kits for beginners. We had so much fun with it—even if my ambitions for pinstripes were vetoed by the girls in the house!"

"We’ve tried launching smaller rockets, but they’re just too hard to see in flight. The Baby Bertha is the perfect size—big enough to spot but not overwhelming. My kids always choose it when we go out to launch. Plus, you get to paint the entire rocket, making it a fun and customizable activity."

"This rocket is probably the most viewer-friendly I’ve built with my kid. Unlike super-fast, tiny rockets that disappear in a flash, the flight is slow and easy to follow—almost like watching a cruise ship set sail. For kids or anyone new to rocketry, it’s a much better experience. If you want to impress your friends or classmates, decorate it with a unique theme and you’ll definitely stand out!"

"Building this rocket with my 3-year-old daughter was a breeze, and we've managed many successful launches so far. It's a fantastic product for beginners!"

"As someone who values longevity, I really appreciate the strong plastic parts in the right spots for added durability. Just make sure you use a quality glue like JB Weld Superweld for the best results."

"My 8-year-old son assembled this rocket almost entirely on his own and loved seeing it fly. Unlike our previous rocket, this one landed safely every time, which made the whole experience even better."

"I had a blast building this rocket—the process was straightforward and enjoyable. After painting it, I'm thrilled with how sleek and eye-catching it looks. I’ve already had two perfect launches; it soared straight up and the parachute worked flawlessly. I might switch to a better chute later, but overall, this rocket really satisfies my need for something bigger and high-flying."

"This kit brings back memories! It’s basically the classic Ninja design—three fins and a nosecone. Flies beautifully on D and E motors, and I’m tempted to try something even more powerful. Can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting a simple, high-flying rocket."

"I used this model for a Boy Scout rocket event and it was fantastic. Easy to assemble and reliable in flight, it was an excellent fit for the activity. Just be sure to check what kind of motors it needs before you buy!"