Go with the Morris Hobbies Sledge...As far as I know, there is not a .40 size airplane that will 3D better. I've flown a Knife and a Top Cap and they can't do the high alpha stuff like the Sledge. No worries about weight either...It will be under 5 lbs even if you build it with real heavy stuff! Mines about 4.5 lbs with a Pro .46 and Tower muffler. It hovers around 3/4 throttle and pulls out real well...

Where in Kansas City are you? Where do you fly?