John,

SSC is the class I recommend for simple, fun combat. Been flying it for 6+ years and I'll say it's pretty darn durable. The wings typically last a year or more, and usually I replace them each winter just for looks (dings to the wing, ect) and pass them on to any club member that wants to try combat - they're still plenty flyable. About 8 guys in my club are flying combat right now. If they get interested with the plane they are given, they'll build another themselves.

The reason the class is designed for 40-ounces is so you can build the planes like armored trucks, and yet they're still very manueverable. I have done little repair work last year despite flying a ton of combat. Most of the times you "mid-air" with someone, either they planes "butterfly" for a few seconds and keep flying, or if the engine is killed they float down you can go pick up the plane and fly again in 5 minutes. Can't say damage will never happen, but workshop repairs are not common. Also I'm flying the same OS .15's I've been flying for at least the last few years and they're still going strong. SSC is the most-popular class in the southeast because of its low cost and simplicity.

RCU says you're in Knoxville. There are some guys in the Knoxville area flying Battle Axe's.

My club in Jackson, TN (about 4 hrs from Knoxville) is having an SSC contest on June 20. We'd love to see you there!

Alex


(EDIT for typo and a wording-clarification)