I saw the "discussion" that
led to this - so here is my $0.02
There are many variables as to what makes each better.
Radio used. If it is a JR / Spektrum 2.4 radio, Definitely the Balsa is better because it will need a lot less Satellite Rx's to work for an entire flight (that ends with a successful landing). however you could glue the satellites together to make th airframe.
If it is a Futaba Radio, One must consider that there are only two aerials used so they must be "visible" at all times. Luckily this is not difficult with this technology.
If it is a PCM / FM styl radio used, it doesn't make much difference because the aerial will be external.
Oil used If Mineral oil is used, composite is definitley better as it will be much easier to clean the slimy stuff off the plane afterwards.
If the common synthetics are used, balsa is acceptable because at 50:1 there will be less mess to clean.
If a 100:1 oil is used, it won't matter much as the engine probably won't last long anyway.
Needle settings If you use factory settings, Composite is definitley better as it will handle hard landings (usually from a deadstick) better.
If you let the local "Guru" (who is always tweaking the needles on his own enignes) tune it for you or otherwise take his advice, It won't matter much as your plane will probably shake apart in the air anyway.
Gas used IF the gas contains ethanol, it will likely dissolve the entire plane (apparently). So Balsa would be more hardy as long as good covering is used.
If you use an alternative to pump gas because you prefer the smell of the alternative, chances are a Balsa will be better because it will have a much more Gay color scheme to suit your personal preferences (unless it is a pink Krill or a custom paint job on a Comp ARF).
Control method If it is a control line model - we really don't care.
Engine used If it is a DA 60, 85 or 120. Everybody knows they are really bad shakers so a composite will lprobably last a little longer but you won't see the cracks appear until the plane explodes in mid-air. A balsa will fal apart much more gently. If it is a 3W, then it will be way too heavy to fly anyway so go for the cheapest (most likely a balsa).
Airframe brand Everybody knows that "no name" stuff from hobbyking is by far the best value. They rarely sel lcomposites so Balsa MUST be the choice for that.
Servos Hitec servos - see the comments on the DA engines above. If cheap chinese servos are used, it wont matter as they wil probably explode in mid air and destroyt he plane anyway - so go for whatever is cheapest (maybe a hobbyking balsa unit).
Battery packs Lipos wil probably explode into a fireball and destroy everyting within a 100 mile radius. A123's would have been good except they went broke so you only have the chinese variants now. This wil probably destroy your airframe forever.
Now if you have a REAL MANS HANGER - you wil lhave multiple airframes, fitted with top quality radio equipment (such as Airtronics and Savox), top quality engines such as BME good quality battery packs and electronics and some of those airframes wil be composite, some wil be balsa, all will fly well as they are built and setup properly and you won't really give a stuff about anyone elses planes or what they are built of.
Did I done good to explain it all ?
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Composite Airframe Versus Wood Airframe - 
