I agree the Avengers are a very GOOD platform too fly in competion.
I have a few of them the 9 series and some old 8 series that are still flying.

My son tried a slasher in the begining and it took some abuse. ie: midairs and dirt naps.

The slasher has it weak points like all combat planes do.
But for a beginner bird it will work.

As before stated, are you going too battle it out at meets or just fly it for something different.
And YES the slasher will float........

Frank