For me, it isn't a question of kits vs. arfs. They both have their place. I have had a couple of arfs that I fly while I am building. I don't have to wait to stay in the air and keep reasonably proficient. I don't ask much of an arf. For me, spending a few bucks on a sport arf that I can knock around in the air is fine. I don't have it so that I can express any pride in its appearance.

Now building, that's another story. I like the building process as a form of relaxation. Envisioning an end result and then using my meager (and I do mean meager) skills to get there. That in and of itself is rewarding. It is also great to impart my personal touch in the look of the plane. Then there is the capper. Flying what I have built.

Ironically, some of my disappointing moments in this hobby have come when I am at the field with a plane that I did not build and a "civilian" comes up to admire it. I hate it when I'm asked the inevitable question, "did you build that?" I lower my head and sheepishly say, "no." I sometimes feel that I should add, "but wait! Come to my house. You have to see the others! I built them!"

Of course, to each his own but I hope that solely arf fans at least give an easy kit a try just once. I do feel that they will be rewarded for their effort.