Hi Jeff,

The Focus II is a great pattern starter. I'd say it depends on what level you are planning on competing. For sportsman, almost anything will work if you know how to set it up and can fly straight and level parallel to the runway- believe it or not, that is the hardest part for most sportsmen. While you can compete with a super kaos or Funtana in sportsman, for anything above that , a "real" 2meter plane is gonna be helpful if not essential. I've been through 3 Focus II's and I can say they fly great and are very easy to build. I've got two that are converted to electric that I use as my backup plane now....I'm flying a Pinnacle E for the last couple of weeks. But the Focus won't limit your ability to win and it will cost about 650 bucks vs 3K. If you already have an older style pattern design that flies great, then I'd say use it- I had my socks nocked off by a kid flying a Storm last weekend(G)- but if you are going to get a new plane, then go with a Focus II or similar kit that won't limit you. Getting with someone who can help you with advice about trimming and setup will help a lot and learning about the judging criteria and "style" will give you more effective practice time. By all means come over to Jetero or Nederland (June 24th weekend) and throw down in sportsman- it'll give you a chance to meet the "gang".

George