ORIGINAL: wazzbat
As far as the Great Planes kits go - Aren't they made in China or somewhere? I don't quite know why but I have my heart set on the LT-40 now. I think it is because everyone has talked it up so much on this forum and also because you get a few extra peices with the kit like the fuel tank etc. and being my first build, I thought it might save me a dozen trips to the LHS.
Great Planes KITS are made in USA. Most ARFs, regardless of brand, are made in China.
There's nothing wrong with wanting SIG kits. The 2 people I know who have built the LT-40 like them very much.
I built a Great Planes PT-60, my brother built one, and I know 2 people who built the PT-40. They are good kits.
I would partially base my decision on availability. The manuals for all current GP kits are available to download
http://www.greatplanes.com/parts/index.html#kits and they have a "required items" list at the front. You can create a complete shopping list before buying anything.
The balsa supply issue has impacted several of the kit cutters. The electric power industry uses balsa to sheet the blades of wind turbines. The blades are huge so they use a lot. The turbine companies have deep pockets and can outbid just about any hobby company.