NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher - Motorized Air Rocket Toy, Launch up to 200 ft, Outdoor Toys & Model Rockets, Gifts for Kids Ages 8-12, Space Toys

My 8 year old grandson lies this rocket. It's easy for him to launch, goes up pretty high, and the way it comes down like a helicopter is as cool as how it goes up. One frustrating thing was figuring out how to get it to launch. Instructions say to push the button one, two , or three times depending on how high you want it to go. What it doesn't tell you is first you have to push the button to just get the green light to glow, then the 1, 2, or 3 quick presses to get it to launch. Also, when it says don't launch in the wind it really means NO WIND. Even a slight breeze tips the rocket sideways and it crashes.

This a great gift!!! It really works well and is rugged enough for someone who can be careful with it (including managing a curious younger brother or sister).Things to know:Must fly in very light or no wind - rocket is light and can be blown sidewaysEven it is blown and flies into the ground it was not harmed and it is so light I was not worried about anyone getting hurt.It has a green light so it can easily flown at dusk when there is less wind - you can easily see it as it goes up and as it comes down.The helicopter return comes down reasonably quickly so if there is wind it doesn’t blow too far awayRecommend an open area at least 100 by 100 feet with no trees20 launches on a charge is great - a lot of playtimeNeeds a weed/grass free launch pad for the propeller - bring a 12 by 12” plywood launch pad if neededAll 3 fins need to be “tucked in” for launch or one may flip up and the rocket won’t fly right for that flightTemptation is to go for the maximum height right away- Don’t!!! Low flights help to check the wind above ground level and when calm even a low flight is pretty spectacular! Only do higher flights when you are sure of the wind.All around this is a spectacular toy!!!

Bought the rocket as a birthday gift for our 9 year old grandson (also knowing his 12 year old brother would enjoy it too.) The rocket deserves 5 stars for it's engineering, performance and "fun" level, but since it has to be light weight to fly, it is very fragile. It does fly very high and then opens to rotate "copter" style downward to land (but catching it can easily damage it). Being light weight - it is effected by the slightest breeze (any wind is even worse) and it must be flown in open spaces - far awary form obstructions (trees, houses). It is difficult to reassemble to fly again. It was hard for our boys to reassemble without help and took care and patience. The boys flew it on the second day by themselves and it was blown way over several roof tops, and after a thorough search - was never seen again. Lessons learned.

This rocket was a gift to my grandson. It took a month before we could attempt to launch it and discovered it was defective. I did read the instructions and encourage any buyer to do this first. The power-up sequence needs to be followed. Unfortunately we were three days over the return deadline and I am not sure what I will do.post note: I contacted National Geographic customer service and they were very helpful.

Overall, good concept however not the best build.Rocket charges nicely and launch is relatively simple but it doesn’t really shoot straight upwards. And then the descend can be all over the place as the rotors spin. In theory it should land like a helicopter except it doesn’t and you could end up running a lot depending on where it drifts too

After a few days the rocket would not go very high. Less that 20 ft. Disappointed the kids and they do not want to play with it anymore.

This is a great toy it flies great but does not do well in any wind whatsoever

This is a lot of fun for my Grandchildren, 5 & 2, we have a blast and it's exciting to see them so happy. Caution though, any breeze may put it on the roof, make sure you have lots of space. Handle with care, but so far so good. I would purchase for them again.