There are serveral Great Planes "Permormance Series" planes that will fit your bill. I had the CAP and it flew wonderfully with a EVO45 and I'm at high elevation. I think it was 13.5lbs. Excellent wing loading at that weight. Of course you already mentioned the Ultimate, but they also have an Edge, an Extra and a new Sukhoi that are all about the same size. THe Performance Series planes are excellent quality and fly nicely. And you can get in them for under your $500 number. I also have the Reactor 160 with a DA50 on it. It is also an exellent plane and a lot of fun to fly. I think with all the discounts they have right now it's about $360. Nice airplane .

Anyways....there a few to look at.

Thanks
Barry