I am selecting my next thermal duration F5J, I am new to soaring but an experienced RC pilot. Our RC club has started a sub- group on soaring, we have 15 guys. However , we are not sure how much plane we will need for our field , which is flat farm land growing corn or beans in upstate NY.I am flying the 2 m Phoenix 2000 and have been very satified with it despite having to replace the motor. Icare-RC is selling the 2.6 m Avia made by Topmodel for $300. I am considering buying the plane and then outfitting it with servos, motor etc, from Hobbyking. Has anyone seen an Avia or other Topmodel ? Since I have been able to fly the Phoenix for 20 minutes with the motor off, I am willing to spend this much now. I have looked at more expensive planes and realize the state of the art equipment is a lot more money. However these planes are either capable of hotliner performance, or are extremely light weight. Since we are not , at this point, interested in competition, the Avia looks like a logical choice and a real TD performer. The Avia should weigh about 42 oz , which is a WCL of 3.9.