So I'm looking at 2-stroke engines for my firend who wants to get into the hobby and also for me as I progress to an Intermediate plane. The question is with so many brands out there and no doubt different prices for same size engines how do I know the quality? I know O.S. is a great engine but you pay for it. (I've also heard the LA series isn't great.) Are Evolution engines decent? What about the bargain Tower Hobbies engines? Thunder Tiger? Super Tiger? GMS? etc. So many options, how do I know? I guess I need your input on quality.

Thanks!