My Dazzler, built from a kit, started with an OS 46FX, weighs 5 lbs. Hover experience similar to yours with exciting recoveries. Couldn't pull up unless vertical. Put in bigger engine, OS 50SX. Better, but still fell off easily and couldn't pull up unless vertical.

Built a Sledge with Saito 72. This is a hovering machine. Pulls up like a rocket from any position.

Fired up the Dazzler a few weeks ago. Gess wat. The Dazzler now hovers at low rates! Helps to practice with a plane that hovers easily.