This was an Ultra Sport 40, kit built. Took about a week, total investment $300.00 to complete. I flew it about ten times or so and then I was shot down, lots of RF problems in our area. It convinced me to go 2.4, 10C it is, so far, so good.

Kits last longer, but some day anything can go awry and then it's more painful than just a 5 - 10 hour built ARF to rake into a trash bag.

I've found airborne-models.com and world models do fly well. The covering and landing gear have a short lifespan.
Phoenix models are fast builds, last longer than most. But nothing replaces kit built. I enjoy finding used kit built treasures at swap meets in our area.