You describe a slow roll in your post. In the first pattern I was flying that required a slow roll I set my aileron to perform the roll at the rate I required, at that rate it would fly the remainder of the pattern well also. However as I advanced I now fly slow rolls at max aileron rate and adjust with the stick. Flipping rate switches is distracting for me and if forgotten the maneuver is blown.

Good luck. You should try and find a good pattern plane, you will enjoy it.