This is not a toy and should not be used without adult supervision. This message is found on both the packaging and the Rokit web site. This warning is not without merit, safety is important when flying water rockets. That said, this water rocket kit is an excellent way to introduce kids to rocketry, and is good for hours of fun. My seven year old loves it. This kit includes everything you need to launch a water rocket, except for the actual bottle and a pump. Any bicycle pump will do. For those with weaker arms (such a kids), a foot pump works really well. Simply keep pumping until the water rocket launches automatically. It launches when the pressure in the bottle reaches around 25 psi. The launcher is intended for use with 1 and 1 1/2 liter bottles. While it does work with 2 liter bottles, they won't fly nearly as high.

Parts List

- 3 plastic fins (red)
- bottle screw collar, collar O ring & rubber nozzle
- pressure tube (complete with fittings)
- assembly instructions & Rokit pressure sensitive decals

There really isn't much assembly to speak of. Simply insert the O ring and nozzle in the screw collar, attach fins. That's it, you'll be ready for launch in minutes.

Measurements

The fins are 4" tall (10cm). The total height of your rocket will depend on the size/height of the bottle used. The diameter of the fin assembly (including screw collar) is 6 1/2". The yellow pressure tube measures around 5 feet (1.5m).

Pros

This is a simple, low-end, water rocket launch kit. It is highly affordable. If you want something to play around with in the backyard, this may just be your best solution.

While some open space is required to launch, there's no need for a very large field.

Needless to say, launches are also very cheap (all you need is water) compared to traditional model rocketry. This is a major advantage.

This Rokit kit is a lot of fun and kids will love it. It is an excellent way for parents, and educators, to introduce youngsters to rocketry. Remember to keep safety in mind at all times.

Cons

When using this water rocket launcher under windy conditions, the bottle tends to sway slightly. If the rocket were to launch at the same time a wind gusts takes place, it could launch the rocket in any direction, at any angle. Needless to say, this could cause it to fly directly towards and hit someone.

Granted, launching rockets under windy conditions isn't the best of ideas, but what about unexpected wind gusts?

This is not as much a flaw in the product as something the operator should be aware of. It is avoided easily enough, simply use a launch rod and equip your water bottle rocket with a launch lug.