Mark, I'm rigging out an Excelleron at this moment....it will have a Magnum 1.20 Two stroke on it (decided the 91 just wouldn't make it for me even though I never tried it). I chose the Excelleron for many of the reasons you outlined, and it will be my "off season" play pattern plane....right now looks like 8.24 lbs with everything in it. Figure that will work well. Other flight reports from reputable sources state that it is a VERY good pattern flier. I hope to find out soon!!!