I used the Alum. horns with CF rods and ball joints on both ends. Zero slop. In fact, the small amount of slop that was in the gear-train, really showed itself.

This is small 3D plane, so 2-56 CF rods and ball joints were used. You may want to look into 4-40's.

I am finishing up another plane, using the Hanger 9 titainium rods. The CF are about half the weight of the H9's.

MK also makes some off set control horns that work very well.