The electronics which come with the Firebat are OK quality wise, they are just not right for what it will take to fly the plane. From what I understand you are given an ESC which will only take 10 amps. You really need one which will take 20 amps. Castle Creations has a great 20 amp ESC which is lighter than the Great Planes 20 amp ESC.

A mixer can be had from Wattage. Doesn't add that much weight.

The problem with the Firebat seems to be power and small wing area. And from what I hear you must keep the speed up and be careful with the cannard setup. If you don't, it will stall, then crash. The problem with the wing area is that by the time you have gotten a power system on it where it will fly, you are too heavy for the wing area. Thus you have a flying brick.

Brushless motors with ESC's run about $150 - $200 dollars U.S. now (this cost is for the standard direct drive speed 400 replacement). Check out the line of Mega Motor Brushless Drives. The motor itself is only about $75 (again speed 400 replacement). Then you add your ESC cost. You must use a brushless ESC with a brushless motor.

I'll have to do some searches to let you know about motor setups for the Firebat which are working.

Great Planes will probably tell you it will fly with their system. Be forwarned, others have tried that route and failed. May be you will have better luck. Also keep in mind Great Planes also says the Fundango will perform with the speed 400 system they recommend. It won't. It can be made to fly well, it just won't do it on the speed 400 system they recommend.

A good aerobatic plane would be the Switchback. A bigger, but definetly a winner, would also be the E3D.

A lot of people are also enjoying the Crazy Max.

Good Luck.