Jim,

I have one Stinger 120 and have built them for others with various engines. Your question of "should I build" is a tough one since I don't know what kind of planes you like. The 120 is a great sport plane. If you build it without using the supplied ABS parts and change a few things, it can be made "less ugly".

The 160FX works great in this plane and you may get it to come in under 13lbs - for gas my favorite engine is the Quadra 400xl which weighs in at 15lbs. neither engine will give you unlimited vertical, but they are great sport performers and easy to land.