Hangar 9 (aka Horizon Hobbies) has a definite "class system" in place for their ARFs. The top of the line is very nice indeed- genuine heat-shrink covering, fiberglass cowls and wheel pants, somewhat better hardware, and more attention to detail in general.

The lower-tier models are just that; not so well constructed (they don't bother to hide the hot glue joints), covered with that sticky-back shelf paper, and totally useless Pacific Rim hardware. IOW, just like 90% of the other ARFs available.

I've had two of the top-end offerings (CAP 232 and Easy Fly 40) and one of the lower tier (Super Stick 40). I just started building the CAP, and am very pleased ans impressed with the overall quality. Same on the Easy Fly 40; it was an excellent trainer that I bought on a whim because the dealer, who specialized in helicopters, had gotten it when he thought he wanted to get into airplanes- so I got it for a song.

The Super Stick was very disappointing. The covering just plain sucked. I ripped it all off and re-did it in U-Cote and replaced all the junk hardware from my stash box; and while all moments, balances, etc., seemed to be spot on, the airplane flew like crap. It "squatted", like it was tail heavy. I tried everything except changing the stab incidence; all to no avail.

A newbie I'm working with has the Advance 40. Overall nice airplane, well worth the money IMO. It is heavy (at least this one is), the aileron set-up is rather bizarre (but it works; you have to fiddle with it to get a decent roll rate, though), and some of the trim stripes have come off. But it is basically a low-wing trainer; very smooth, predictable, and forgiving. With a competent instructor and buddy box, one could learn to fly on this thing easily.

Overall, bhouck, I would say that H9 ARFs are like any other; there are some good ones, and not-so-good ones. But I've never seen a BAD one, meaning one that couldn't be made to fly. There are some of those out there too.

Good luck, and welcome back to the hobby.

Steve