I had posted this in another section of the forum and didnt get much in the form of an answer and was hoping I would get a better response here...

I've been flying for a few years now and do mild 3D. I would like to build a 50cc 3D. I was wondering if someone can explain the basic differences between a few different models. What are some of the differences between say a Extra 300, a Extra 330, a Yak 54, SU-26, Katana, ect. I know they have different wing loading properties, flight characteristics and things of that nature but what are the real differences? Which are most popular and why? I'm just trying to figure out what I should lean toward for a build... Thanks!

To me...the more a plane leans towards 3D the more they are all the same. I fly a Sukohi, Yak, Edge and Extra and I can't really tell much difference between any of them. I can tell you slight differences. The Yaks seem to be the hardest to land and have the least amount of coupling in Knife Edge. The Edge is the easiest to land and does the best waterfalls, and flat spins and stalls with the least amount of problems. The Edge is probably the most forgiving and the least precise of the group.
The best flying overalll is the Sukohi. It's a peach and I love it. But for just having the most fun I like the Edge. It's the most relaxing to fly. I have more Yaks than anything else...so I must like them as well. I have three giant scale Yaks.
If you want a plane to do the best 3D...then the Edge is the answer. If you want to combine precision and 3D than the others will be a better combo plane. I think the extra is the most precise and the least at 3D. The Sukhoi and Yak are better at 3D and still pretty good at 3D.
If this is your first gasser...I'd go with the Edge (Wildhare is probably the best buy right now) (maybe the Great Planes 27% would be good also) as it is the easiest to fly and have fun with and is a great 3D plane.
Hope that helps more than confuses.
Thanks
Barry

The thing is, even if you got a dissertation on the differences between them, that would only apply to one manufacturer.

A Yak my ExtremeFlight may have tendencies (good and bad) that don't show up a Aeroworks Yak but are similar to that of the Aeroworks Extra 300 and so on.

is a very valid point