I'm going into 1/4 scale-80" Gas and looking for suggestions on a good performing ARF/Engine combo along the lines of an Extra, Edge 540, CAP 232 etc. I see that there are a few choices out there, but I need input from experienced guys. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Oh Yeah, affordability would be a plus too.

I have a GP GIles with a Brison 2.4
I love this combo

I have flown the SIG Extra with a Brison as well.
I like the SIG but I actually prefer the Giles

Now ya' done it! I've got my eye on the SIG Extra now. I've got a thing for Extra's anyway, I love my GP Extra 300s. What characteristic makes you favor your Giles? I think I might have to find a comparable engine as I'm reading alot of posts from people who are having trouble getting their Brison engines that they've already paid for. Are the FPE engines an acceptable alternative?

JJ

JJ. I HAVE SEVERAL SIG EXTRAS, FPE FLIES THEM WELL ,THEY HAVE A GREAT POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO, THEY ARE NICE COMBO IF YOUR LOOKING FOR GAS I ALSO HAVE A COUPLE ON GLO, MY FAVORITE HAS A O.S.BGX 1 3500 , MONSTER POWER THERE, UNLIMITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT WITH THIS COMBO, WHICH EVER YOU CHOOSE YOULL BE HAPPY WITH THE SIG EXTRA, GOOD LUCK....RUDY

What I have found with the Giles is that the long fuselage makes for a very stable flier. For what ever reason, the Extra lands slower than the Giles but I could never get the SIG Extra to balance longitudinally. It would tip stall when flown too slow. The Giles will drop its nose and mush ahead. I prefer this in a plane. It is probably the setup but I could not get the Extra to do that.

Now to make your matters worse. I have flown the low wing Extra and the mid wing extra.... BIG difference. If you like the low wing extra, you will LOVE the mid wing extra. While knife edge pitching can be mixed out, you will find that rolls are more axial with the mid wing extra. I think the difference is the 300L vs 300s but I am not sure.

I think the mid wing extra is as good if not better than the Giles!

I have the giles and the Sig extra both with 2.4 gas engines.I think you should go with the extra as your first 1/4 scale gas. The giles is very aerobatic and you have to stay on top of it . The extra is very smooth unless you slow it down to much before you flair on landing.It will drop like a rock if you do.Both planes are top notch.I like ARF's now that the quality has improved.

I have a Fox 2.4 on my Lanier Edge 1/4 scale with a 73" wing span. This combo gives great vertical and the plane tracks very nice on knife edge. It will also crawl in to land. The gas engine balances very easy by putting the elevator servos in the tail. I am currently running the Menz 18X10 and getting 7700 rpm on the ground but am going to try a 20X8 for more thrust. Try a Fox, you will like it and they are available.