I'm going to be getting my second plane kit (not arf, I enjoy the building process) soon and I'm trying to decide which one to get. I'm thinking of either the 4* or the SSE. I"d like a plane that can grow with my skills. I've read that if you keep the throws down initially with the SSE it can be tame enough for a second plane. I really like to looks of the SSE better thand the 4*. (I know people will recommend the Tiger 2 but for some reason it doesn't strike my fancy.)

Hey neddy,
what is an SSE?

I know exactly what you mean. I destroyed a Tiger 2 (no survivors), and i'm not big on it, either. I have a SSE that I built from a kit. An easy build, and a great plane to fly. Even capable of some 3D manuvers with a good strong engine. Will slow down to a crawl for landing with the flaperon option, if you have a computer radio. Still slows down pretty good without flaps. Only thing, it comes out a little light, an least in my opinion. It can be a handful in a good wind. I haven't flown a 4*, but i've heard good things about it. I actually might get one for my next build. Happy flying!

SSE is the Sig Somethin' Extra

Neddy,
I've built 3 SSE's, they're great planes to have. If you want something to grow on the SSE will be the plane to get. It's going to have a lot more capabilities than the 4-star will down the road.

Ken

I've owned and flown both. The 4-star was great. It's an easy build and great to fly. Landings were easy for me even when I was fresh off my trainer. The Somthin Extra is also an excellent plane that has a lot more aerobatic capabilities that the 4-star. The only down side is that it can be a little more difficult at first than the 4-star, especially with high control throws. It tends land a faster than a 4-star too. All that being said, I flew my 4-star for a couple months, then I never brought it out again after flying the SSE. Sure, I had a few rough landings with the SSE but the performance was so good that I didn't want to fly anything else. I pretty much flew my SSE ARF into the ground and now I'm working on a kit version. If you think you have the skills, go for the SSE; you'll love it. If you still aren't sure, stick with the 4-star.

i have a 4 star 40, great plane. i would suggest buddy box first flight just for confidence reasons. the plane lands very smooth,i mean very smooth. mine has a .46tt on and it is fast. we did 2 caculations 2 get the speed. radar gun showed up at 152mph, my calculation showed at 157 fairly close. just distance time formual to find velocity. ok but i would say it is fairly aerobatic. i mean i can hover, loops, rolls, performs a blender, avalanche, snap roll, flat spin i have not mastered it yet but i belive i will get it eventually, upside down flight, etc.... in my opinion u will not be unhappy with the 4 star. i did get it as an arf, however i have heard that it is a very easy and nice plane to build so.... i have not personally flown the sse but i have seen movies of it an it seems fairly aerobatic. i think u will be happy with either. it did seem that the SSE was more aerobatic though. u can just tell if u know wht i mean.

Could always try a Goldberg Chipmunk.