I just received my second SU-34..liked it so much had to get a backup...wished they had a blue camo version oh well)

I've flown the HL SU-34 many times.... rates set for 100% and 65% for elevator / vectored thrust. I takeoff on the lower rate with vectoring ON. That setting gives you very good rotation and elevator control during both takeoffs & landings. I also have 75% expo on elevator in both high & low rates.

If you takeoff or land on high rate....be ready for the nose to climb high very quickly even with a high expo setting.. Much better pitch control on the low rate.

As for the throw amounts... I have mine set on high to the max...The pushrod clearance won't allow any more throw! The high rate and max movement is great for the cobra loop maneuver. The SU-34 comes out of the loop almost with zero forward speed and won't stall left or right..It wobbles left and right a few times but with the roll vectoring is controllable...then it gradually accelerates to speed.

The only problem I have had is the poor quality & low C rating of the supplied battery. I purchase a couple of Rino 3700ma 20c batteries...and that solved the battery problem. A four minute flight consumes about 3400 to 3500ma the supplied battery is only rated at 3300 but won't live up to it's rating.
Lee