Mine balanced and flew great, with the reciever just in front of the servos, and the battery just in front of that. I had the Magnum .52 XLS for an engine. I DID NOT add any weight, and I think it balanced at about 4-1/4". It was the easiest landing airplane I have ever had, and handled BETTER and easier than a trainer, when on low rates. Don't get hung up on having the CG exactly where the manual states....to say that they are on the conservative side is a gross understatement......