James,

That might not be a bad idea - the GP SS. My only concern with GP kits is that unless the design and construction has been revised, they tend to be somewhat overbuilt. I suspect the ARF version of their kits are lighter since they are cost optimized and obviously more current, but,... I don't know much about ARF's.

I think you'll find a similar flight envelope in the Sig 4 Star at less weight and you can reduce weight further yet. A Kaos, Thunder Bird or Side Pocket can be built very light, perform better than the SS or 4* and are more attractive in my opinion but they would require a plans build and some customizing. I think the trick is to stick to sheeted hollow lite ply or thin balsa formers and 1/16" skins. You could use 3/32" sides and keep those as small as needed. Anything that calls for a 1/4" or 3/8" slab of balsa is a no no and needs to be axed and addressed.

at the end of the day I think its a matter of how much time you want to put into it. A SS or 4* kit is an easy quick frame up. You could build a lighter nicer looking model with some plans and ingenuity and as always..., good old fashioned patience and diligence.

David