ORIGINAL: wind junkie

It always comes down to the same arguments. The profile guys will have the upper hand on performance. Basically their rides average around 4.5 lbs RTF. Mojo 40, Chinn Yak, Williams Edges all build nice and light. With a Saito .82 that's a match made in heaven.

The guys who aren't swayed by that argument have an aversion to profile planes and are willing to overlook the half pound plus to get a fuller fuselage. IMO if you're over 5 lbs on a 48'' wing, ~45 size motor, it's a lost cause when 3D is the prime concern, and once you fly a 4.5lb plane you're hooked.

You asked initially for ''most capable'' rides, and that automatically rules out anything but the light profile designs. If you want to fly around ''pattern style'' some of the time as a compromise, that's absolutely fine, but realize you made a compromise.

(oh, and this is a ''sea level'' recommendation. At higher altitudes, it gets worse and power desires rise)
Joe