The electrostick is interesting, but like most of the big electrics, too pricey. Its $219, and I would have to add a spektrum dx5e system for $100, lipo battery for $100, plus a balancer for $20-$30, and a charger. That will probably be close to $500, and thats with a dx5e. The PTS mustang has a dx6i, and I suspect its performance would be far better, especially with the training attachments removed.

But like I said, a big electric would be nice, since I could ship it to college and fly it there, much easier than I could fly a glow plane there (I don't have a car at school to drive to a flying field where glow flying is allowed). Which is what initially made the apprentice so interesting, an affordable big electric at $299 RTF. But it seems that despite its 58" wingspan, its not really in the same league as nitro planes of similiar size. (Made of foam, as someone pointed out).

Right now, the Mustang MkII PTS seems like the best choice, and is probably what I will do if I decide I can afford the extra $100 over an alpha trainer. I think the mustang is a pretty good deal for the price with that dx6i computer radio, and it can be used as both a trainer and a sport plane. By the way, with all the training attachments removed, and a standard two blade prop, how will its performance compare to a sport plane like a pulse, super sportster, or similiar? And if I choose the mustang, I may seek help from an instructor for the first flight. Despite that I have basically self taught myself up to this point, its an expensive plane to crash.

Also, someone suggested at one point (maybe a different thread) that I should get a thing called a voltwatch onboard battery monitor, if I got an Alpha. I really like the piece of mind that something like that would provide, after losing my alpha to what was probably a receiver battery failure. Will one of these (see link) also work with the Mustang MkII PTS? I see no reason why it wouldnt, but want to make sure:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHDJ2&P=7

Thanks guys