Walt:

Started where you are about 5 years ago with somewhat normal limited disposal income. After research on all this stuff, started out with axi motors, Castle Creations controllers and Thunder power batteries. Now, after trying a bunch of advertised good and cheep equipment, am back to where I started, with good reliable stuff. My original TP batteries, 1350's two of the 3 are still going, the other died in a dumb thumb thing. Through the years have added Hacker motors and controllers to the list along with a new motor line "Thrust". Had to replace the AXI 2808 with recommended Thrust 30 in a PS Katana and was shocked to find it stronger with more flight time. Will also use "Max Amps" batteries on other non-performance projects, but always back to TP when I need good performance, 3d, speed. Outstanding info on Red Schoefield's "Battery Clinic" read as much as you can in that forum. Best overall advice I can give is to buy a decent fish scale and watt meeter. Check out your intended or actual equipment by tieing one end of the scale to the tail and open her up. Thrust numbers are actual rather than theory. Check entire system with the watt meeter to keep your motor within limits. One pitch or length of a prop can and will make all the difference in performance and a happy ballanced system, and keep the smoke away. If your motor, or controller, or battery gets hot, something is not right. Usually too big a prop, too small a controller. When going for a 3d setup, I usually over size the controller by 25-30%, but you must check it with the watt meeter to be sure you are not pulling more amps than the motor is rated for, and things are running cool. In 4 electric birds flying, all run hand warm at the end of a flight, motor, battery and controller. Life is pretty good these days with most responsible manufacturers and reliable shops doing a lot of testing prior to recommending a system. Now, temper that with reason. Naturally GP or GWS is going to recommend their stuff, most of the time its servicable, but you end up with a replacement system all to frequently at double the expense. Until recently literally all the gear you got with a airframe was throwaway. Now, much is servicable when buying from someone like 3d hobbies, Performance specialities, OMP, Southern Sailplane, and many more I am sure. ENJOY