I agree,

Gassers really work when you reach the 12+ pound range.

After struggling with my 15-pound, 69" wingspan Clip-Wing Monocoupe's wing-loading, I've developed my rule of thumb where I won't put one on a plane under 1000 sq inches, and if possible, preferably a bit larger.

Doing great now (gas tank issues aside) with my SAP 180 on my Giant Super Sportster, which is (as I recall) about 1290 inches. It carries the Syssa like a dream. I'm still assembling my new GP Super Stearman to use with my 2nd Syssa, and I think that one is about 1440 sq inches. Way more power than the Stearman needs, but the Syssa's weight is just about perfect when compared to the total weight (including their motors) that all the guys have been adding to the nose.

Once you get to a certain size, gassers make a lot of sense. I can't say that all my glows are gone, as I'm kind of fond of Biplanes, and small biplanes and Saitos go together nicely. I never have liked the cleanup, though, and gassers can really spoil you.

Last week I was out flying my gasser, and the day afterward the wife got on me because the garage stunk of gasoline, which can be a detractor sometimes. Turned out the lawn mower was dripping from the carb. I almost did the nyah-nyah-nyah thing, but then realized I was still pretty fond of breathing.

I did point out to her that most of the days when I was off, I not only fly, but usually mow the lawn, and therefore the lawn mower has probably been the culprit all along.

I know. Thin. Real thin. I'm an RC husband working on his 'spin', and not at the field! Guilty as charged.

~ Jim ~