If you only use conventional (ie, not composite) motors, this is a great choice and a step up from the launcher that comes with most launch kits. Longer, heavy duty wires make a difference. It also uses AAs instead of 9vs. You'd think that wouldn't matter, but with the change to the new style starters (which just get hot and don't have any actual ignition source like the old kind did), you need high quality batteries to push enough current through the starter. Finding great AAs is easier great 9vs in my experience. Cruddy batteries will cause problems, especially on cold days. Construction of the case is good but not great - my older model had a little cover over the continuity light that keeps falling off. Looks like they phased that out.