I second the 47" 3DHS Extra SHP. I know you said that the GP Extra is smaller and a little less, but 3DHS are very durable and will take the abuse of learning 3D DOD. I have the SR version and I love it! My brother owns the GP Yak and he likes the way it flies, but he spends a lot of time making improvements and strengthening key areas like the LG plate and firewall instead of flying it. I to have owned other manufacturers and I got to the point that I realized I could continually repair these airframes or spend a little more and get a solid plane that flies great and takes the abuse I give them once in a while. Now, all I have in my hanger are Extreme Flight, 3DHS, or Zerogravity planes. If you want something a little cheaper than the 3DHS Extra you could look at the Extreme Flight Edge 540. I have flown this plane and it is awesome! EF has it on sale for $100 right now! Plus all the equipment will drop right into many planes of similar size. Just a thought and my 2 cents worth...