I think you will be pleasantly surprised with anything above a 40 inch-span.
If you go closer to the 50 inch mark, I don't think you will find much difference at all, except perhaps somewhat lighter.

I fly Eflite's Ultra Stick 25, Diamante 25 and Eratix 25 all in winds up to 15 mph. Not as much fun as on a calm day. I just have to fly them a little faster and hold my breath while landing against the wind.

I also fly Parkzone's Typhoon 2 (39 inches) and their Stryker 27C which I can fly under windy conditions when most gas planes are grounded.

Electrics have come a long way since they were introduced a few years ago.