RE: Which 3D is the best pattern flyer?
With a .40 sized bird its hard to be competitive in anything beyond Sportsman. You also might want to look at the Excelleron 50 (sold by hobbypeople). I have the 90 sized bird and its fully capable of both.
I did a comparison of my bird to the Showtime. The tail surfaces have the same area. My wing area is 40 sq. in. less.. My wingspan is 1" longer and my body is 1" shorter. They are so closely matched that I decided not to buy the Showtime.