In all fairness, the weight question is a good one. None of us have actually had the composite Shinden in our hands, and Bryan's version is completely built up. We are told to expect it in the 10 1/2 pound range, but cannot attest to first hand knowledge. And a completely scratch built airframe is going to be totally different. Wooden models are usually more difficult to get under weight, as composites have more strength per ounce of material as a rule. I think we can trust the manufacturer, based upon their prior performances, and we all know of Bob Violette's company. I spend time in Bryan's shop often, but he does not have time to help me build a Shinden... so I'm going to plop my money right on down to get mine. I do trust Xtreme Composites, and BVM, and I really want this airplane. I probably could beg Bryan enough to get him to build me one, but as his friend, I won't. This is a bigger issue than the weight... I have no worries about that. This plane will only require a radio installation, no building, and they have already put one in the air at a show in Japan.

If money were no object, this one would still be my first choice, and I can truthfully say that I've seen them all, from Christophe on down, first hand. Jason or Chip could fly two paint sticks rubber banded together; it's the rest of us that really need a great airframe. That's why I'm always looking for the best equipment I can afford. This time, the best isn't simply the most expensive. Go figure. What I do know is that Bryan isn't getting any money from the planes, nada, none, zero.