Hi
I have not had a lightning but have a few similar sport jets and a Futura 2.5. If you are trying to fly fast, it is not the plane. But if you enjoy doing aerobatics and smooth consistent flight, hands down is the best plane you could buy. The quality of the kit is great and the final weight of mine came to 37.5LB with full UAT and a 180RX.
I hope this helps.
Behzad