Thanks again for all your great input!

I kind of have to stick to the .40 size-group, as cost is a big factor. I know the kit itself isn't that much more, but a .75-91 engine sure is, and you need stronger servos, more fuel, bigger props that'll need replacing, etc.

I'm really drawn to the Easy Sport, but I just recently realized the wing is fully symmetrical...as is the GP Big Stick 40's (not sure about the Ultra Stick). VMAR also makes a nice stick, and it looks to be semi-symmetrical...and I could even afford to go with a .60 size, as the .60 stick is only $20, and the same diff applies to their .46 and .61 VMAX .60 motors. Check them, out...they seem to be the best 'local' (North American warehouse) source for Chinese ARFs (compared to www.nitroplanes.com, World Models, HobbyKing). Great prices, stuff is IN STOCK, and shipping is reasonable (about $25 for a kit & motor): http://www.richmondrc.com/richmondrc...search_VMA.htm

So I have a LITTLE more concern about these options being used as trainers. I'm thinking the dihedral of the Easy Sport will make it a lot more stable than, say, the Big Stick. But I wonder how a semi-symmetrical stick...with little/no dihedral...would compare to the Easy Sport?

But all the reviews say the EZ Sport is very docile...corch sez it's his club's 'preferred trainer'...so I think that might win out. But those VMAR sticks.....