I think you missed part of my point on weight but overall I think our concerns are the same on both planes, which is what makes the decision so hard. The Obsession won't take a gasser without a re-build so it needs a messy and hungry glow engine and the SFG's on the FutanaX are going to be trying but you need them to get the max out of the plane. You also will need to run a pump in the Obsession if you want to run a two stroke. I also prefer Monokote but I lose on both with that one.

That said, if he wants a true practice plane for his 35% and must run gas than it might make more sense to get a true 25%-27% plane setup for that. I think it would be difficult to put a gasser in a FutanaX 100 at 10+ pounds and get the same performance out of the plane, which was designed for the Saito 125 at 9 or so pounds or less. The original Futana was already on the heavy side, not as stable, and for many not the ideal 3D plane. They did correct the stability issues though and the others are still to be decided. I also have two H9 planes in my hanger so I had to warm up to the Obsession but it is growing on me. My only concern is it is going to get cut from the Goldberg lineup and parts will be hard to come by. Good luck either way.