The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·02142·Announced 2002-04-18

Estes Air Powered Rocket Systems Recalled Due to Injury Risk

Estes Industries is recalling GL-X200 Air Powered Rocket Systems because foam tips and pump handles can break, causing injuries.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, including detached retinas and lacerations requiring stitches, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Estes Industries is recalling approximately 140,000 GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems. The recall was initiated because the rockets' foam tips can break off, exposing sharp edges that may cause face lacerations or eye injuries. Additionally, the rocket systems have weak pump handles that can break during use, posing a risk of hand lacerations.

The affected products are blue, yellow, and black rocket systems containing two blue rockets with yellow foam tips, recommended for children 8 years of age and older. "ESTES AIR" is printed in black and white lettering in a 6-inch wide yellow oval on the front of the pump, with "Made in China" underneath. Rocket pumps labeled "WARNING: Stay away from rocket when pumping and launching" are not included in this recall. The products were sold at department stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and Zany Brainy, as well as e-businesses, catalogers, and hobby shops, from February 2001 through February 2002 for between $20 and $40.

Estes and the CPSC have received 16 reports of rocket tips breaking off. Six children were struck in the face by the rockets, including two children who suffered detached retinas and four children who suffered lacerations requiring stitches or sutures. There were also 68 reports of broken pump handles, including six hand lacerations.

Consumers should stop using the air rockets immediately and contact Estes Industries for information on how to get a replacement rocket. Consumers may call Estes Industries toll-free at (800) 576-5811 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT or visit www.estesrockets.com for more information.

The recalled product

Product
GL-X200™ Estes Air™ Powered Rocket Systems
Manufacturer
Estes Industries, of Penrose, Colo.
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard
Affected units
140,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

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