I have assembled 3 Phoenix planes and 3 Great Planes this season. Phoenix is as good or even better than the Great Planes, and much less expensive.

I have learned through my experiences that both manufacturers sell heavy planes. If I'm going to buy a heavy plane, I want a cheap heavy plane. If I'm going to get myself a high-end plane, for about the same cost as a Great Planes 25% I can get something nearly 3lbs lighter from another manufacturer.

At this stage of the game I don't know that I would replace the Venus II if I lots it. If it happened sooner than later, I'd probably go with a Piedmont Focus Sport and get a removable canopy and adjustable wings.

OP - Phoenix planes are awesome planes. As was mentioned above, I hope you will have some trainer experience before you fly planes like the Extra, otherwise it's life will PROBABLY be very short. Being as Phoenix planes run heavy and you are probably not up to having a full appreciation for fully independent and adjustable stabs, I'd say go with the single servo for the elevator and save weight.

If it were me with that plane, I would buy [link=http://centralhobbies.com/control_linkage/deps1.html]this[/link] for quality, ease, light weight, and low friction.

Best of luck!