Two Estes Photon Probes, Old and New

I hadn't planned on buying two Estes Photon Probe kits.
I older one on the left was picked up cheap on Ebay.
This version #2043 was sold from 1991- 1993.

I was at Michael's yesterday buying engines with a 40% off coupon. I saw this new re-issue Photon Probe in a clearance bin. It was marked down to $7.99.

I though it'd be interesting to compare the two versions, the older U.S. made and the newer Chinese made kits.
The face cards showed the older model with a white pink trim, the newer was white and purple.

The older version would fly to 720 feet!
The new version only reaches 575 feet.

The old version weighed in at 2.4 oz. and could fly with A8-3, B4-4, B6-4 and C6-5 engines.
The newer model weighs 3.45 oz and flys with B4-4, B6-4 and C6-5 engines.
I don't see how the reissue kit could weigh an extra oz.

Inside the bag, there were differences.

The older kit is on the left, the newer on the right.
The older engine lock retaining ring was black.
The trim strips were balsa and are now basswood.
Fins and centering rings are now laser cut.
The older kit's BT-55 and launch lug were bent.
The old engine hook was spring steel and not easily bent. The new hook has the finger tab and when bent doesn't spring back flat.

In the next picture, again the older kit is on the left. The older parachute was not assembled. There was an addendum to the instructions showing how to tie on the shroud lines instead of just sticking them on under a tape disk.

The older shock cord was 1/8" wide fabric over elastic, barely 18" long.
The newer shock cord was the old style rubber, 1/4" wide x 30" long.
The decals looked the same in both kits, the Estes logos were slightly larger on the new decals.
On closer examination, the older decals had sharper edges and had a "Center Section and Serial Number" decal not on the new kit sheet.

Estes has made some great strides in the Classic re-issue kits.
Longer shock cords, laser cut parts and balsa nose cones are a plus.
The new engine locks aren't spring steel anymore.
The jury is still out on the decals. Some have had the edges lift a few days after applying the decals.