Hi Matt, thanks for the reply. You are right, it's a weighty bugger. In fact, the mfr's own spec sheet shows the wing loading is twice that of a zagi. It is definitely a marginal choice for a speed 400 motor. However, I don't think a gearbox is the way to go on a fast flyer like this. It just needs a bit more direct drive power. I'd love to hear suggestions on an upgrade motor that won't break the bank (>$30). I think the permax 450 turbo($27) might be a good one to try. I wish that new reverse-timed 400 from trickrc came in a 7.2v version. I bet that would help. Suggestions?

As for the battery, it does supply a good time of flight, for something that has to run wide open all the time. I haven't put a timer to it yet, but I would bet it goes 5 minutes. So, I think most folks would have traded a minute or 2 of flight time for a plane that was easier to get up there in the first place.

As for canard drag, I forgot to mention that I also made gap seals out of scotch tape for the gap vetween the canard and the fuse. That could be some of drag savings as well.

I just found out that TNR technical is selling Kan 950 cells for a buck each. I'm gonna call 'em and order a couple of packs.