I have a new ZDZ 40 that needs a home and I am looking for a plane to mount it on. I am into scale/ pattern flying. I have been eyeballing the GP 160 size Ultimate and the giant Big Stik. I also like the looks of RC Guys 33% Pitts, but I'm open to suggestions. Just shopping around at this point. Haven't made any decisions one way or the other. Price is sort of an issue. I'd like to stay under $500.
Any suggestions are very welcome.
Thanks,
Bill

I recently got a Carl Goldberg 60.5 in Ultimate (just smaller than the GP one you are lokking at) and installed a 35cc gasser on it. It's a great combo so your ZDZ 40 on the GP should be fun. My wing loading is about 25oz/sqft which is 3oz higher than Goldbergs advertized weight and it still flies great.

http://aero-works.net/store/detail.aspx?ID=308

hehe you just took the words right out of my mouth.... In my whole modeling "career" aerowrkd has the best quality arfs out there

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

Thanks for all the suggestions. I hadn't thought about Aeroworks. I agree that they make some top shelf ARFs. I'm definitely leaning in that direction. The GP performance Series planes look appealing too. I checked with RC Guys and it will be sometime in late Dec. before they'll have a date when the red Pitts will be available.
Thanks guys.
Bill