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expiredphoinix | Staff posted Jun 18, 2024 08:22 AM
expiredphoinix | Staff posted Jun 18, 2024 08:22 AM

Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX)

+ $8.95 Shipping

$25

$57

56% off
Hobby Lobby
108 Comments 90,086 Views
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Deal Details
Update: This popular deal is still available.

Hobby Lobby also has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) on sale for $24.99. Shipping is $8.95 or free on $50+ orders.

Thanks to Staff Member phoinix for finding this deal.

Includes:
  • 2x Rockets
  • 1x Launch Pad
  • 1x Launch Controller
Features:
  • Designed with plastic fins, the beginner rocket Amazon stands at 30 inches tall and can be built in an hour.
  • Crossfire ISX, on the other hand, is an Intermediate-level rocket that features a totally streamlined shape with aerodynamic fins and nose cone.
  • Both bullets of this Estes Tandem-X Launch Set take off from the sturdy Porta-Pad II Launch Pad by push button command from the Electron Beam controller.
No longer available:
  • Amazon has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) for $31.99Shipping is free with Prime or on $35+ orders.
  • Walmart also has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) for $31.99. Shipping is free w/ Walmart+ (free 30-day trial) or on orders of $35+.

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this Offer:
    • This is $8 lower (20% savings) than the next lowest price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $39.99.
  • About this Product:
    • This is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 4,000 ratings at Amazon.
    • Model rocket engines sold separately due to HAZMAT shipping requirements.
  • About this Store:
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: This popular deal is still available.

Hobby Lobby also has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) on sale for $24.99. Shipping is $8.95 or free on $50+ orders.

Thanks to Staff Member phoinix for finding this deal.

Includes:
  • 2x Rockets
  • 1x Launch Pad
  • 1x Launch Controller
Features:
  • Designed with plastic fins, the beginner rocket Amazon stands at 30 inches tall and can be built in an hour.
  • Crossfire ISX, on the other hand, is an Intermediate-level rocket that features a totally streamlined shape with aerodynamic fins and nose cone.
  • Both bullets of this Estes Tandem-X Launch Set take off from the sturdy Porta-Pad II Launch Pad by push button command from the Electron Beam controller.
No longer available:
  • Amazon has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) for $31.99Shipping is free with Prime or on $35+ orders.
  • Walmart also has Estes Tandem-X Rocket Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) for $31.99. Shipping is free w/ Walmart+ (free 30-day trial) or on orders of $35+.

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this Offer:
    • This is $8 lower (20% savings) than the next lowest price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $39.99.
  • About this Product:
    • This is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 4,000 ratings at Amazon.
    • Model rocket engines sold separately due to HAZMAT shipping requirements.
  • About this Store:
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+83
Good Deal
Visit Hobby Lobby

Price Intelligence

Model: Estes Tandem-X Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX) Orange, 30 inches

Deal History 

Sale Price
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Sort: Lowest to Highest | Last Updated 4/4/2026, 08:15 PM
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Amazon$39.99

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Top Comments

HotChile
404 Posts
350 Reputation
I used to launch these back in the 80s, then got my kids into them a couple years before the Pandemic. Then really got into it the first two years of the pandemic.

Couple pointers:
1) If really dry, there is a fire hazard as the engine remains hot for some time after ignition. The engine should remain in the rocket, but the ejection charge sometimes blows it out. That is the greatest fire danger right there. You won't catch normal greenery or houses on fire, but if really dry and launching over dry grass you can get flames.

2) No one has ever called the cops on my kids - and we live in the metro Boston region. Find a large suburban field (think a complex of soccer fields) and if anything you'll get curious onlookers. There are model rocket parks but they have all sorts of membership requirements and scheduling, just easier to go to a complex of soccer fields. These aren't loud so unless someone is looking in the direction of launch they're going to be completely unaware you're launching if driving by or even walking a quarter mile away.

3) You will lose rockets. Depending on the size of the field, I found I needed 4 - 6 rockets to justify a trip with about 25 launches. Don't let your kids talk you into a nice paint job. Couple rattle cans of paint and the decals is more than an investment of time. Bring a 5 gallon homer bucket to sit on and another to put trash in.

4) If you get into the hobby go get a small car battery for launching - you can get further away from the launch pad and it is more reliable than 4 AA batteries. The plastic plugs for holding in the igniters is pretty good, but masking tape is the old standby and works better.

5) Big engines are cool but honestly, my kids preferred mid-sized engine launches - less likely to lose a rocket, slower flight so easier to follow rocket, and since they're cheaper dad buys more.

6) If any little kids come by to watch and their parents are there - invite them to press the button to launch one. A little goodwill goes a long way if anyone does complain.
SIX29P
895 Posts
214 Reputation
Requires an Estes Engine
Both rockets require a specialized Estes engine to launch. For the Amazon, Estes recommends a B4-2 engine for your first flight. The rocket is also compatible with other Estes engines, including the B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C6-3, and C6-5. For the Crossfire, Estes recommends the A8-3 for first flight, and the B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, and C6-7 for more advanced launching.
SharpRailway9531
320 Posts
136 Reputation
Glue the nose cone to the body for in-flight disaster simulations

108 Comments

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Jun 18, 2024 03:30 PM
1,295 Posts
Joined Jul 2003
NotFastJun 18, 2024 03:30 PM
1,295 Posts
I remember these when I was a kid and also remember the parachute strings almost always getting tangled and the rocket floating/falling/blowing to points unknown.
Jun 18, 2024 03:31 PM
552 Posts
Joined Jul 2013
BESully223Jun 18, 2024 03:31 PM
552 Posts
I used to love firing these as a kid. Then I got to fire PATRIOT missiles as an adult. Expensive at $1.5 million per missile.
3
5
Pro
Jun 18, 2024 03:39 PM
1,788 Posts
Joined Sep 2014
bootymonger
Pro
Jun 18, 2024 03:39 PM
1,788 Posts
Engines not included.
1
1
Jun 18, 2024 03:40 PM
39,387 Posts
Joined Nov 2005
Dr. JJun 18, 2024 03:40 PM
39,387 Posts
These would be good for the kids but do you need any kind of clearance to shoot these off? Clearly you should do it in a wide open field, but anything else to be thinking of?
Jun 18, 2024 03:54 PM
70 Posts
Joined Mar 2009
djnortonJun 18, 2024 03:54 PM
70 Posts
Quote from BESully223 :
I used to love firing these as a kid. Then I got to fire PATRIOT missiles as an adult. Expensive at $1.5 million per missile.
If it flies it dies
2
Jun 18, 2024 03:59 PM
434 Posts
Joined Apr 2013
dududuJun 18, 2024 03:59 PM
434 Posts
Do we need local body permissions to launch them?
1
Jun 18, 2024 04:00 PM
3,558 Posts
Joined Apr 2005
joebob2000Jun 18, 2024 04:00 PM
3,558 Posts
Quote from Dr. J :
These would be good for the kids but do you need any kind of clearance to shoot these off? Clearly you should do it in a wide open field, but anything else to be thinking of?
FAR 101.22 outlines that model rockets cannot exceed an altitude of 1500 feet without notifying the local air traffic control facility. Additionally, rockets should not be launched in restricted airspace, near aircraft, or within five miles of an airport.

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Jun 18, 2024 04:04 PM
564 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
disco_feverJun 18, 2024 04:04 PM
564 Posts
Quote from joebob2000 :
FAR 101.22 outlines that model rockets cannot exceed an altitude of 1500 feet without notifying the local air traffic control facility. Additionally, rockets should not be launched in restricted airspace, near aircraft, or within five miles of an airport.
Interesting that these can go to 1,500' while small drones are generally limited to 400.
1
Jun 18, 2024 04:05 PM
118 Posts
Joined Jul 2013
citrixmonkeyJun 18, 2024 04:05 PM
118 Posts
Are these fire hazards to house communities nearby? I was thinking of trying some launch with my kids at a nearby park. Size of park...It's a descent size park thats got about 8 kids soccer fields and 5 kids baseball fields.
1
Jun 18, 2024 04:08 PM
434 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
BeniskickbuttJun 18, 2024 04:08 PM
434 Posts
Had one of these as a kid. Getting one for my kids.

Times were different back then... If someone were to complain today, how do you go about finding the rules that apply to these?.. Can i assume i'm safe to just go to a local soccer field or baseball field when nobody is around and just shoot it off?

EDIT: Looks like lots of people have the same question. I'll just employ common sense and hope nobody ruins our fun Smilie

EDIT2: Ope, looks like its banned in all the parks in my town. I should've just stopped looking. Can't have anything nice these days
Last edited by Beniskickbutt June 18, 2024 at 09:19 AM.
Jun 18, 2024 04:20 PM
3,357 Posts
Joined Jun 2014
EdEd1190Jun 18, 2024 04:20 PM
3,357 Posts
I almost think the sales strategy for these is to sell the rocket kits cheap (even below cost), but then make money on the expensive rocket engines.

Polaroid or Keurig sales model; Sell the one-time product at or below cost, and make money on the consumables.
Jun 18, 2024 04:34 PM
12,506 Posts
Joined Nov 2010
PeteyTheStrikerJun 18, 2024 04:34 PM
12,506 Posts
Quote from Dr. J :
These would be good for the kids but do you need any kind of clearance to shoot these off? Clearly you should do it in a wide open field, but anything else to be thinking of?
Dont aim it at planes or shot it off near airports, some municipalities have their own rules about where you can and cant shot them off but I would be less worried about them since many cops will just give you a warning if they do anything about it at all.

Quote from disco_fever :
Interesting that these can go to 1,500' while small
drones are generally limited to 400.
These are unguided, drones need communication back to the ground so different technologies and use cases.

Quote from citrixmonkey :
Are these fire hazards to house communities nearby? I was thinking of trying some launch with my kids at a nearby park. Size of park...It's a descent size park thats got about 8 kids soccer fields and 5 kids baseball fields.
The engine burns out very quickly, so while yes its a fire hazard when you ignite it, the fuel is spent pretty quickly so it should not set a house on fire unless your aiming directly at one....

Quote from Beniskickbutt :
Had one of these as a kid. Getting one for my kids.

Times were different back then... If someone were to complain today, how do you go about finding the rules that apply to these?.. Can i assume i'm safe to just go to a local soccer field or baseball field when nobody is around and just shoot it off?

EDIT: Looks like lots of people have the same question. I'll just employ common sense and hope nobody ruins our fun Smilie

EDIT2: Ope, looks like its banned in all the parks in my town. I should've just stopped looking. Can't have anything nice these days
Yeah ignorance is bliss and in my experience cops have bigger problems to worry about so unless your being a jerk about it, I think you can get away with it at almost all parks and there is always the forest preserve where people launch their stuff regularly.

https://nirarocketry.org/launches.html
Jun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
1,777 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
britdudeJun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
1,777 Posts
Do they sell ones that come back and land the booster?
Jun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
404 Posts
Joined Sep 2012
HotChileJun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
404 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank HotChile

I used to launch these back in the 80s, then got my kids into them a couple years before the Pandemic. Then really got into it the first two years of the pandemic.

Couple pointers:
1) If really dry, there is a fire hazard as the engine remains hot for some time after ignition. The engine should remain in the rocket, but the ejection charge sometimes blows it out. That is the greatest fire danger right there. You won't catch normal greenery or houses on fire, but if really dry and launching over dry grass you can get flames.

2) No one has ever called the cops on my kids - and we live in the metro Boston region. Find a large suburban field (think a complex of soccer fields) and if anything you'll get curious onlookers. There are model rocket parks but they have all sorts of membership requirements and scheduling, just easier to go to a complex of soccer fields. These aren't loud so unless someone is looking in the direction of launch they're going to be completely unaware you're launching if driving by or even walking a quarter mile away.

3) You will lose rockets. Depending on the size of the field, I found I needed 4 - 6 rockets to justify a trip with about 25 launches. Don't let your kids talk you into a nice paint job. Couple rattle cans of paint and the decals is more than an investment of time. Bring a 5 gallon homer bucket to sit on and another to put trash in.

4) If you get into the hobby go get a small car battery for launching - you can get further away from the launch pad and it is more reliable than 4 AA batteries. The plastic plugs for holding in the igniters is pretty good, but masking tape is the old standby and works better.

5) Big engines are cool but honestly, my kids preferred mid-sized engine launches - less likely to lose a rocket, slower flight so easier to follow rocket, and since they're cheaper dad buys more.

6) If any little kids come by to watch and their parents are there - invite them to press the button to launch one. A little goodwill goes a long way if anyone does complain.
2

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Jun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
41 Posts
Joined Dec 2018
Andrew1111Jun 18, 2024 04:56 PM
41 Posts
I've had this set for years and it's been great for launching in large farm fields when using the C engines. A B engine in the Amazon doesn't go far. Just be careful not to start a fire in dry conditions.

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