Greg, I'm considering the Magister because it's big basically. Foam is nice too. The stock set up in your video seemed to come right up off of grass. I have the Multiplex Cargo that has four 400 motors weights around 4.5lbs and is likely made of the same material and I really like it. It shoots off the ground.

Would either plane come off of water with floats? I'd really like a set up on floats.
Would the 8cell 3300 NiMh have any more power or just longer run?
Is there room in this plane for 9cell 3300NiMh? More power and longer run on stock ESC.

Next step would be two 2100mah 3cells as I already have one and an ESC to handle it.

Carl