Thanks for all the continued comments...

I think I'm going to try a spad, and proceed ahead; I'll fly at the field when I have time to supplement my learning curve.

Any recomendations for SPAD ARF makers / models? I looked at the list at spadtothebone, but rather than chance it and pick one, a recomendation would be prefered.

Also, I think I'll order parts to build my own, I suppose the Debenier (spelling??) is the way to go for a quick build? Any other recomendations? I woulnd' t mind working on a 2nd plane class spade while I'm ordering PVC and corogate...

Thanks!