ORIGINAL: DenverJayhawk
I still think you should look at a Big Stik even though you want a low wing. Don't get hung up on the sleek looks of the other models. You'll quickly appreciate the no fuss, rugged, dependable, and easy to repair nature of the Stik. Especially since it's your 2nd model.
Yup...
The Stik beats the Pulse or Escapade in these arenas...
Equipped with the right engine it will also out 3D the Pulse or Escapade ( I can torque roll my Big Stik 60 even though it is not a 3D plane ).
I like both the Pulse and Escapade, but the Stik is more robust, better in the wind, and perfect for Fun Flys.
Deadsticks? Who cares, the Stik WILL come back for a landing due to it's excellent glide ratio.
I have five dramatic crashes on my Stik now, including one nose in at full throttle that smashed the firewall off, tore off the gear, and broke the fuse in three places, plus snapped off the wing peg...
A couple of hours of work ( minus drying time ), some hobby ply from a local Craft store, a bit of covering, and it still looks new after 460+, 18 minute flights.... I've worn out six sets of wheels too.
Gotta love those easy to reproduce shapes...