If I was closer, I'd let you play with my Black Magic V3 anytime. I'll let pretty much anyone take it around the sky for a few. Usually the same reaction though. Suddenly no one is impressed with my flying..they are sure it is the plane...and they are partially right. A really well trimmed plane makes pattern a lot more fun as it lets you concentrate on the maneuvers more instead of the plane. The smaller planes are great to go fly around with, but just because its the same plane smaller doesnt mean it'll fly as well. The Focus Sport is a GREAT flying plane, but it still is not near as competitive as its bigger brother the Focus II. It will fly the sequences and such, but in certain conditions, its always going to be at a disadvantage. It and the Venus II are great for what they were designed to do. They will get you hooked on pattern and fly the lower classes well, but as you progress eventually you will learn that your skills are catching up to the airframe, and that is a GREAT thing. That means you are progressing and getting better. I honestly think that way is much better than starting out with a 3500 dollar ship. Even if someone pics up a perfectly trimmed top of the line FAI ready plane, it doesnt mean it will benefit them in Sportsman. Most of the newer F3A designs really need you to be good with the throttle and rudder from the start, or they can actually hurt you in some ways. Smaller, and a little faster can be a good thing in the lower classes. A 10 1/4lb black magic vf3 requires you to wind correct a lot more than a smaller faster plane. The smaller plane will just cut through a crosswind as it doesnt have the side area, whereas the V3 and the other top F3A designs will get blown a little more if you arent careful. I really think the 90-120 size planes are the best for Sportsman. They are relatively cheap, MORE than competitive, and it lets you get your feet wet and decide if pattern is for you without the huge investment. Then when you are ready to make the leap you have an idea of how contests work and the basics of pattern, and can concentrate on learning the plane and getting more comfortable.

Arch