I like mine to be nose heavy, have tried flying it balanced on the CG and it was a hand full. I have hovered mine but not to long and not close to the ground as you should to do it properly. As far as rates go I have mine set on 40% aileron and 50% elevator. But I don't know what my throws are at that setting. My high rates are set at 80%, Its to tough to fly at 100% the way that mine is set up.

This plane is not a 3D plane, its a pattern ship. 3D planes are not supposed to be fast. There are many good ones. Would not know what to recomend as I do not fly one.

CT