caf2461,

I think Mike summed it up very well.

I too would encourage you to go out and watch one of the "new" pattern events (at least watch a few good fliers perform the Masters or FAI patterns).

The sheer speed of the previous pattern planes is not there anymore, but what has replaced it is equally impressive, and in my opinion more interesting and more mentally challenging to fly.

Planes now pack an incredible number of maneuvers into a beautifully choreographed aerial ballet. The slower speeds mean more variety, more options, and more maneuvers in a smaller space. Upper classes perform combinations of maneuvers strung together that make pilots master every conceivable orientation of the aircraft, with a mind boggling number of inverted exits.

Watching and flying these maneuvers is truly a joy.

BTW, don't be intimidated from participating based on my description of the upper classes. The beginner classes start very easy and work their way up to the more complicated stuff.

Best of luck,
Keith