i was in the same predicament as your good self a year or so ago. I`m in ireland so your options would cost to much to send over so i got this baby in the uk .its a weston cougarpowered by an evolution 45 (TPS) and an APC 12x4. love it to bits. has infinite vertical, and will take a lot of abuse. but will not knifeedge to save its life. it could be a second model for a beginner with the rates tamed down and is a monster with rates high.