ORIGINAL: airwayman
A neutral/slightly nose heavy plane is easier for me to 3D with than a tail heavy plane.
As far as torque rolls go, I agree. Try balancing a baseball bat in the palm of your hand with the barrel (heavy) end up. Not all that hard. Now turn the bat over with the handle end up and try to balance it. Airwayman
your analogy is true however not representative. try holding the baseball bat and let it hang down. it takes more energy to move the bottom end when the heavy end is down. it takes less energy to move it with the lighter end down is down. its also easier to change direction when the lighter end is down.
1st point being is a slightly and I mean ever so slightly nose heavy plane 3D's much better than a plane that is too tail heavy.
2nd point is its easier to learn to hover/torque roll a plane that is slightly nose heavy than a plane that is too tail heavy.
3rd point The main mistake 3D newbies make is to go tooooo tail heavy which also presents problems when landing.
Beyond these 3points CG is adjusted based on pilot preference, comfort and setup.
once again just my experience