---
product_id: 1271407
title: "1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket-Model Set for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad System"
brand: "estes"
price: "R1810"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
category: "Estes"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1271407-1403-riptide-rocket-launch-set-prebuilt-beginner-flying-rocket-model
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Prebuilt, beginner-friendly 675 ft max altitude Ready in 15 minutes 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket-Model Set for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad System

**Brand:** estes
**Price:** R1810
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Ready, Set, Rip through the Sky with Riptide!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket-Model Set for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad System by estes
- **How much does it cost?** R1810 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1271407-1403-riptide-rocket-launch-set-prebuilt-beginner-flying-rocket-model)

## Best For

- estes enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted estes brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Safety Meets Fun:** Built to NAR safety standards so you can focus on the thrill, not the risk.
- • **Launch in a Flash:** Get outside and ready to launch in just 15 minutes with included launch pad & controller.
- • **Skyrocket Your STEM Game:** Blast off to 675 ft with a sleek, preassembled rocket—no building stress!
- • **Show-Stopping Chrome Finish:** Stand out with a reflective blue chrome rocket that’s as stylish as it is aerodynamic.
- • **Designed for Future Innovators:** Perfect for ages 10+, inspiring young minds with hands-on aerospace excitement.

## Overview

The Estes 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set is a prebuilt, beginner-friendly model rocket kit designed for ages 10 and up. It features an 18-inch aerodynamic rocket capable of soaring up to 675 feet using compatible Estes engines (sold separately). The set includes a launch pad system and electronic launch controller, enabling quick setup and safe launches following NAR guidelines. With a striking blue chrome finish and parachute recovery, it offers an exciting STEM experience that’s ready to fly in just 15 minutes.

## Description

Product Description The Estes 1403 Riptide ready-to-fly model rocket encourages beginner model-rocket enthusiasts to fly high with enthusiasm. This easy launch set includes our prebuilt 18-inch-tall 1403 Riptide rocket model that can reach altitudes of up to 675 ft. Designed for adults and kids ages 10+ (supervision recommended for ages under 12), this sky-ready rocket can inspire any STEM enthusiast to reach for the stars without any building. It is recommended for use with a B4-4 engine for the first flight but can be used with a B6-4 engine for subsequent launches (sold separately). This rocket-launching set includes the reusable parts for launch, including a nose cone, a body tube, and a recovery parachute.A perfect birthday or Christmas gift for families, friends, hobbyists, or aspiring rocketeers, the 1403 Riptide completed rocket offers hands-on experience in engineering and aerospace. It’s especially ideal for helping kids explore the wondrous world of science and develop a better understanding of how rockets reach outer space. After just 15 minutes of preparation, this rocket will be ready for proud display or launch prep.To launch this rocket, you will need a compatible Estes model-rocket engine, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use. Always follow the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code during operation.Estes rocket kits are built from the highest-quality components and designed around the unforgettable experience of pressing “launch.” Our hobby and STEM educational science products range across all skill levels, interests, and power levels. Unleash the space dreamer and science enthusiast in you with an Estes model rocket! From the Manufacturer Punch a hole in the atmosphere with the Riptide. The Estes Riptide Launch Set contains almost everything you need for hours of high flying fun. This shiny rocket is factory assembled by specially trained craftsman to give you a top quality beginners’ rocket. The Riptide is an aerodynamic bullet full of features like a really cool, blended blue body tube, totally awesome and highly reflective, blue chrome colored fins and nose cone. This showy rocket is ready for liftoff in just minutes. The exciting Riptide stands 18 " (45.7 cm) tall. When launched on our standard engines, it can reach cloud topping heights of over 600 ' (183 m). It returns smoothly on a colorful 12 " (30 cm) preassembled parachute. Rip through the sky with your own ready to fly Riptide. Estes launch pad with launch rod and an Electron Beam Launch Controller included. Requires Estes engines and 4 AA 1.5V Alkaline batteries for the controller - sold separately. Recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12.

Review: Great introductory rocket - My husband bought this to use with our nieces and nephews (he used to do rockets when he was young). It works great and seems to be holding up okay after a few launches. It's nice that it comes with everything you need to launch. The only downside is the rod. It comes in 2 pieces and fits together. It's hollow, and pretty thin, and has already bent and had to be bent back into shape. You can tell it's just not going to last. I understand they have to make it come apart to fit in the shipping box, but we'll probably be replacing it with a single solid metal rod from the hardware store pretty soon. The rocket itself is what you would expect for an inexpensive beginner rocket. It's ready to use right out of the box, and the whole setup (including launch pad) took about 5 minutes to assemble. Very easy. The kids were so excited. Overall great value, highly recommend! Don't forget the motors! They are not included.
Review: "Express" Hobbies wasn't fast, Red launch controller unreliable - Ordered for a birthday- Arrived a week too late- Order estimated delivery in 5-7 days but took 14 days- beware of estimated delivery dates! Rocket is pre-assembled except for attaching parachute. Good build. Launch tower is good quality, and assembled easily. The cheap red Estes Launch controller did not work most of the time. This appears to be a design flaw rather than a bad lot. The internal metal strips near the safety key and launch switch failed to make contact reliably. (I really miss the days of having REAL push buttons in the launch controller). And yes, we held the safety key down firmly, but couldn't get the continuity LED to light reliably. Alligator clips were properly connected to starter. Batteries were fresh and delivering good voltage. Voltmeter could not register any consistent voltage being delivered to alligator clips. Very unreliable. I'd give the launch controller 1 star. Shame on Estes for using this cheap design to keep cost down! Big disappointment for my grandson when it would fail to launch. Fortunately, I had several older launch controllers in my field bag that still worked, so we just threw the new red controller in the trash and used the old controllers that have never failed.

## Features

- BEGINNER MODEL-ROCKET LAUNCH SET: This Estes rocket-model launch set offers kids ages 10+ the chance to blast off our ready-to-fly 1403 Riptide model—no building required! This set includes the fully assembled 2452 Riptide rocket model, a parachute, and the launch pad system. It requires rocket engines, Starters, Recovery Wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries for launch use (sold separately).
- SOARS UP TO 675 FT.: Our 1403 Riptide model rocket helps you reach the skies faster with the included Estes rocket launch pad system. It has a projected altitude of 675 ft. (206 m) using a C6-5 Estes model-rocket engine (sold separately) and is also compatible with B4-4 or B6-4 rocket engines.
- READY TO FLY: Rocket launch sets are creative, educational gift ideas for Christmas Day or special-occasion surprises! Our completed beginner rocket launch set comes decorated and ready to launch after only 15 minutes of preparation. Get outside faster and prepare for blastoff with the included Porta Pad II Launch Pad and Electron Beam Launch Controller!
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
- WE IGNITE IMAGINATIONS: Since 1958, Estes has created educational rocket kits designed for an unforgettable launch experience. As a family-owned company, we have grown to offer exciting STEM products that engage aspiring rocketeers and the future minds of aerospace.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B002TW4VSY |
| Age Range (Description) | 12 years and up with Adult Supervision under 12 |
| Art Craft Kit Type | Model Building |
| Brand | Estes |
| Color | Multi |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (240) |
| Department | Children |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00047776014039, 00794628119519 |
| Included Components | Estes Rockets 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Rtf |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 18 x 1.35 x 18 inches |
| Item model number | 1403 |
| Manufacturer | Estes |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 10 years and up |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Rtf |
| Number of Pieces | 3 |
| Paint Type | Metallic/Chrome Blue |
| Product Dimensions | 18 x 1.35 x 18 inches |
| Release date | January 1, 2018 |
| Seasons | Summer, Spring |
| Set Name | Riptide |
| Size | 18 inches |
| Style | Modern |
| Theme | Science Fiction |
| UPC | 794628119519 047776014039 |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** 12 years and up with Adult Supervision under 12
- **Brand:** Estes
- **Color:** Multi
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 18 x 1.35 x 18 inches
- **Theme:** Science Fiction

## Images

![1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket-Model Set for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad System - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BwV40uNoL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great introductory rocket
*by H***S on October 13, 2023*

My husband bought this to use with our nieces and nephews (he used to do rockets when he was young). It works great and seems to be holding up okay after a few launches. It's nice that it comes with everything you need to launch. The only downside is the rod. It comes in 2 pieces and fits together. It's hollow, and pretty thin, and has already bent and had to be bent back into shape. You can tell it's just not going to last. I understand they have to make it come apart to fit in the shipping box, but we'll probably be replacing it with a single solid metal rod from the hardware store pretty soon. The rocket itself is what you would expect for an inexpensive beginner rocket. It's ready to use right out of the box, and the whole setup (including launch pad) took about 5 minutes to assemble. Very easy. The kids were so excited. Overall great value, highly recommend! Don't forget the motors! They are not included.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Express" Hobbies wasn't fast, Red launch controller unreliable
*by M***E on June 20, 2023*

Ordered for a birthday- Arrived a week too late- Order estimated delivery in 5-7 days but took 14 days- beware of estimated delivery dates! Rocket is pre-assembled except for attaching parachute. Good build. Launch tower is good quality, and assembled easily. The cheap red Estes Launch controller did not work most of the time. This appears to be a design flaw rather than a bad lot. The internal metal strips near the safety key and launch switch failed to make contact reliably. (I really miss the days of having REAL push buttons in the launch controller). And yes, we held the safety key down firmly, but couldn't get the continuity LED to light reliably. Alligator clips were properly connected to starter. Batteries were fresh and delivering good voltage. Voltmeter could not register any consistent voltage being delivered to alligator clips. Very unreliable. I'd give the launch controller 1 star. Shame on Estes for using this cheap design to keep cost down! Big disappointment for my grandson when it would fail to launch. Fortunately, I had several older launch controllers in my field bag that still worked, so we just threw the new red controller in the trash and used the old controllers that have never failed.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to use and works great
*by B***L on January 12, 2025*

Got this to launch rockets with my daughters and this kit was so easy for them to put together and start launching rockets. It just works and was such a good kit for beginners. Highly recommend if you are just starting out. It can take several different size motors but I recommend for your first few launches use the smaller motors first and then work your way up to the larger ones. With the biggest one on the rocket it really goes high so only do that on a day with very little or no wind. Great first rocket.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Estes 1403 Riptide Rocket Launch Set, Prebuilt Beginner Flying-Rocket-Model Set for Ages 10+, Includes Launch Pad System
- Estes 2274 Recovery Wadding
- MDL RCKT ENGNS 3PC C6-5

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*