I just balanced mine within the last two weeks and maidened mine last Sunday. I used a Great Planes CG machine and found it difficult either way. I ended up doing it upside down. I got it as close as I could, but found it a problem to keep it level. If it dropped the tail just a little, it would continue to drop. However, with the same weight on it I could push the nose over and it would also drop. I ended up getting it as close as I could with just a little of more drop on the nose than the tail. I must of got it right because I needed only two clicks of up elevator when I flew it. A mid wing plane is tough to balance either way. Others on here have suggested the "sling" method, but I have not used it. You might want to search and find an explanation on how it is done. Hope my explanation isn't too confusing. BTW: This is a fun plane to fly. I have only two flights on mine now, and can't wait to get back out to the field this weekend.