Flatlandmike, you took the words out of my mouth. I was talking about the price difference between 28% and 33%. THe 35% planes often add quite a bit more to the cost, and jumping to 40% can easily double the cost.

Many places sell the 5955TG for around $91-$95, and less with volume discounts. This is literally a few bucks more than the 5945. The servo is a MONSTER, and very few planes smaller than 3m/120" need two per aileron.

The ZDZ80 is thought to be "weak" when people try to use a poorly-designed, restrictive exhaust system. My 7 year-old and 4 year-old zdz80RV engines consistently turn any 26" prop within 250-300 rpm of my Dad's and Brother's DA100s. Granted, the DA has greater torque through the midrange and is more like a 4-stroke YS engine, but it also weighs 2# more.

My 7 year-old Hangar 9 Extra weighs 22# 3oz, uses one JR 8411 per control surface with the big Hitec quarter-scale 5745mg on rudder. It absolutely floats like a butterfly and has tremendous punch. I guess more power on the ailerons may help, but I never have any problems. I like to fly fast and smooth, with fast point rolls, etc. I contend this requires more servo torque than slow 3D flight.

I guess the bottom line is, don't tell your wife how much these planes cost...

Also, I think the bigger planes are much easier to fly, but the smaller planes are less "intimidating" to fly. I am less concerned about breaking a 28% plane, while I know I can destroy the bigger planes in flight if I am not careful enough.