Well, I've taken delivery of the R22 and build some of it last night. The quality of the kit is tops. I'm not suprised the flight times are low compared to the Eco 8. The bevel tail gear and drive shaft setup has a lot of friction.

Anyway, I would say that if you are looking fro the next step, after a micro, you might want to consider the Eco 8. I bought my R22 as an "in between" toy. If I just had a micro and the R22 then I know I'd want something bigger again. The Eco hovers in all kinds of winds.

Not tried the R22 in the air yet, but size-wise, that's my impression.