The manual should have had some initial throws.

Typically I use the manual recommendations as my LOW rates and everything I can wring out of a plane for my high rates.

After the first flight I adjust to suit my preferences.

Recommended rates tend to be somewhat conservative.

With the Extra, just be sure that your C.G. is IN FRONT of the recommended point, and that you have expo on ( say around 30-50% but no more ).

Take the plane up at low rates, get it high quickly and then trim it out.