ORIGINAL: expo
I can see the trainer stage fading out this summer. I've been advised by club members that an "ugly stick" or similar intermediate plane would be a good next choice.
I've got a feeling I 'll be into sport/aerobatics/3D sooner or later.
What do you guys think about skipping this intermediate "stick" plane stage and go to a large winged sport plane like the UcanDo 60 or a Katana? Or some other suggested planes would be welcome.
Expo,
What's with the avatar? Foot fetish?
I have no use for sticks, never understood why anyone wants one. However, that's just me. I don't like UCD's or Funtanas, either.
Regardless, this really depends on your resources and your skills. If you can hover your trainer, you can hover a UCD. If you can fly it inverted, you can fly an Extra inverted. If you can knife-edge your trainer, you can knife-edge an Ultimate. Can you do all those things, with your trainer? Rolling circles? Four point rolls? If so, buy whatever you like, right now.
If not, I will suggest that you practice until you can do those things, before you buy a stick, UCD, Funtana, or whatever. I attach great value to being able to wring out that trainer.
Of course, opinions differ. Good luck!
Dave Olson