Don't know what Hanger 9 Ultra Stick you bought, but the one I assembled had pre-installed pushrod guides and came with solid wire pushrods. They were very easy to install -- need a little bit of bend on the tail side, and operate the 3D surfaces with no problems. Of course I am running Hitec 605s for rudder and elevator.

The only equipment that came with the kit that was totally useless was the fuel tank. I replaced that with a 16oz Sullivan rectangle tank -- fit in compartment with no problems.

The only other problem is the landing gear mounting. The HARDWOOD block provided inadequate support and resulted in a total failure of the landing gear during a relatively uneventful moderate landing. It is now augmented with a lot of epoxy and carbon fiber cloth.

This is probably the best airplane I've own PERIOD.

Though it is relatively easy to fly, it is a fully acrobatic 3D-capable airplane and is not what I would consider as an ideal 2nd plane.