I would say a resounding YES!

I got my Pulse XT after I had gotten very comfortable with my Alpha 40 trainer. I love my Pulse to death. I've torn the landing gear out a couple of time, but I've been able to fix it up and fly it just fine. If I ever total it in a crash, I'll go out a buy another one immediately. It's very fun and capable plane, yet very predictable and forgiving, making it an excellent second plane. It also goes together very easy.

As for my engine selection, I use an Evolution 46 and that pulls it around great. For a four-stroke, I'm not sure.