I agree with your findings
I used the reccomended 280 setup, and the stupid thing has not been airborn for more than a minute. Has absolutely no power.
Finished weight with all equipment is 11 oz, but needs a decent motor.
I nosed it into the street one too many times, and now have it hanging in my sons room.
I really want a good park flyer ARF, but give up as I cannot afford to keep experimenting. I tried the Pico foam stick, same thing, now power at all. It gets off the ground, but looses it when trying to climb.
I am a gas flyer, so I do know how to fly, but these park flyerrs are kicking my butt.
I have the airtronics micro receiver, two micro servos and the 550ma Nimh Electrifly battery. Component weight is 4 oz. If you have any recomendations of a motorized ARF that is a sure bet, not a POC, let me know.