I am currently Building the Carden 40% Extra. This is after flying an AeroWorks Edge for the past three years. Let me start by saying I think the Edge has gotten a bad Rap. It is better for persision than most people seem to think. Mine has won a few IMAC contests. A disadnantage of the Edge is that it will show your mistakes more than an Extra. A Edge has a straight leading edge, that Straight Edge shows to the judges the second you are off. With the Extra the double tapper is harder for the Judge to see your mistakes. (This is more or less a quote from Kirby) People say Edges are hard to Snap. Sorry. Don't agree. Edges snap just fine, just make sure your leading edge is sharp, and play with the throws until you find the setup the will make it snap. This will take LONGER than with an Extra.

Spins are easier with an Extra. Hands down.

Harriers and high alpha flight goes to the Edge. Hands down.

In the End you pay your money and take your chances. At an IMAC contest 90% of the points are in the pilot and practice only 10% are plane.

That all said, if you are 12, and into F3A why not build a Giles in the size range that you can use as a cross over plane. It will Be good for F3A and IMAC. I think Gator RC makes a giles that will be IMAC and F3A ready. Just a thought if money is tight.

Rob