Thought I'd report on my test flights. The Venus came out at 5.48 lbs, or 87,7 oz. RTF, no fuel. CG was set per GP's manual (didn't know about the 'tech notice'), travels were set at the high rates.

Flight performance was a little 'nose heavy', but with the OS 70 Surpass, it was completely capable of the whole Masters' class, plus a good bit of P03...it flies a little faster than I'm accustomed to, but it is very stable and honest.

Snap and spin damping is super! If you blink, the snaps are over. And it stops where you want it. Partial snaps, and knife edge snaps are easy to stop.

NO Mix was required. Unless slowed, then some pitching was happening.

Then I found out about the GP error in the manual on how to measure the CG point. Set up stock means almost 1/2" nose heavy....so I fixed that...and it will be a dramatic difference.

For a "throw in the van, and keep assembled" Pattern knockaround for the fall/winter, I don't think I could have wanted a more capable bird. Plus, it is CHEAP to get airborne.

Overall, I'd rate it pretty highly....don't know if it would be suitable for "real" competition, but for practicing, and staying sharp, it will do those things.