In all honestly, thanks to everyone for all of the great input, I really do appreciate it.

Here is where I have some difference from some as far as aspirations for this hobby. Don't get me wrong, I'm by far no expert flyer, not thinking about dropping several thousand on a huge plane any time in the near future, but...

for me, it's about the fun. It's about going out on a sunny afternoon, enjoying our field all to myself, and getting simple pleasure out of taking my time and flying this model airplane around the sky and bringing it back down to the ground in one piece. Are my loops ABSOLUTLY perfect? No. Are all manuvers planned perfectly to a 'T' with zero room for error? No. Can I fly the plane in a SAFE and fun manner? Absolutly. For me it's not about having a list of 35 different maneuvers taped to my box outlining what spectators can expect me to perform. For me it's about the fun, and I really dont think spending 6 months practicing my barrel rolls and loops to get them so absolutly perfect that I can do it blindfolded is to be considered 'fun.'

I'm a casual flyer. There'll be no pattern flying competitions for me. I won't be quitting my job to persue a career in R/C airplane flying anytime in the near future. It's the simple things I enjoy, I think a lot of people overlook that... but maybe it's just me.

P.S. I'm really leaning towards the Pulse XT 40 ARF for a step up and greater challenge in a low wing tail dragger and may be able to move a little better. No 3D for me.