Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set (Amazon and Crossfire ISX Rockets) Review (2026)

Who this launch set is for

The Estes 1469 Tandem-X Launch Set bundles two different model rockets, the Amazon and the Crossfire ISX, with a single Porta-Pad II launch pad and Electron Beam launch controller, making it a practical choice for two people who want to build and fly together, such as a parent and child or two siblings. The Amazon is Estes' E2X easy to assemble line, designed to go together quickly with fewer steps, while the Crossfire ISX is rated skill level 1, still beginner friendly but with a bit more traditional assembly. Because both rockets use standard Estes engines, this set also works as an entry point into the wider hobby, since the launch equipment and skills carry over to future rocket kits.

Scale, size and what each rocket brings

The Amazon rocket measures about 29.4 inches long and 1.33 inches in diameter, weighs roughly 3 ounces, and uses plastic fins, self-stick decals and an 18-inch parachute for recovery, with a projected maximum altitude around 600 feet on a C engine. The Crossfire ISX is smaller at 15.6 inches long and 0.98 inches in diameter, weighing about 1.3 ounces, with laser cut wood fins, self-stick decals and a 12-inch parachute, and it flies noticeably higher and faster, with a projected altitude around 1,150 feet. Both rockets support a range of engine sizes from A and B class up through C class, letting flyers step up power gradually as they gain confidence and access to open flying fields.

Building and flying the rockets

Because the set includes two separate rocket kits, builders should expect two full assembly sessions rather than one, with the Amazon's E2X design going together faster thanks to fewer steps than the Crossfire ISX's more traditional wood fin construction. Neither rocket comes with engines, igniters or recovery wadding, all of which need to be purchased separately before a first launch, so factor that into planning a launch day. The included Porta-Pad II and Electron Beam controller are enough to fly either rocket on their recommended engines, and Estes recommends starting each rocket on its lowest powered first flight engine before moving up to larger engines once the builder is comfortable with recovery.

How it compares with other rocket kits

Within Estes' own launch set lineup, the Tandem-X sits just behind the single rocket Alpha III set for overall score, largely because assembling two rockets takes more time before the first launch than a single kit starter set. Compared with Quest Aerospace's beginner kits, the Tandem-X offers more variety in one box, since the Amazon and Crossfire ISX fly noticeably differently in altitude and speed, giving flyers two distinct experiences rather than one. The trade off for that variety is more upfront build time and needing to buy two sets of engines and recovery wadding rather than one, which adds a bit more preparation before launch day compared with a single rocket starter set.

Verdict and who might want a simpler set

This is a strong pick for two flyers who want to build and launch together, or for one person who wants variety between a bigger, steadier rocket and a smaller, faster one without buying two separate launch sets. The included pad and controller mean the only extra purchases needed are engines, igniters and wadding. Anyone who wants the simplest possible first rocket experience, with only one kit to assemble before their first launch, may prefer a single rocket starter set like the Estes Alpha III instead. Flyers should also confirm they have access to a suitably large open field, since even the smaller Crossfire ISX can fly over a thousand feet up.

Frequently asked questions