Here are my choices... I have built / put together and flown all of these


Garbage / Don't waste your time:

Aeroworks Katana



The OK / Average (OK quality, good flyers, just not fantastic):

Planes Plus Extra (low rating due to China Kote covering)
Chip Hyde Extra (low rating due to China Kote covering)
H9 Extra (nice plane, only reason its not higher on my list is I have had glue joint issues on all three I finished)
Wild Hare Extra (heavy, numerous quality problems)

These are a lot better:

H9 Cap (older ARF, hard to find - but exceptional flyer and very well built)
Jtec / Radiowave Extra
TOC Yak, TOC Extra
DR Extra (similar to Comp Arf - not quite as nicely finished)
Radiocraft Extra (if you can find one)


These are the best / world class competition winners

Comp Arf Yak
Comp Arf Extra
QQ Yak
3W Extra
Used Carden 35% Extra, or Edge (yes, you can buy a VGC used Carden for about what you'de pay for an ARF)

There are of course, many other options. I fly a QQ Yak with a 3W 106, my other personal choice is a Carden Edge. I like the Comp Arf planes as well but I prefer the wood / built up assy over composite. Once you have flown or set up one of the "best" list planes, it is very hard to even consider anything less.



DP