Ok, I am looking for some information and I am hoping all of you can help me. I have been flying for several months now. I started with a 40 size trainer, and lately I have been flying a 40 size Big Stik. Although I have not fully transitioned to the stick as my upgrade plane I expect that will happen over the next few weeks. As a result of this I am looking at what my next plane will be. I had originally planned to build a kit, but realistically I don't have the time to do so. As a result I am starting to look at the ARF market. When looking at kits I had planned on either a Tiger or a 4*. Now that I am looking at an ARF my selection has opened up quite a bit. My only real requirement is that the ARF sticks to the 40 size range.

Some of the ARFs I have been looking at are

Hanger 9 Pulse XT 40
Hanger 9 Twist 40
Sig 4* 40

I would really like one that has a pretty broad range. Something that can really open up as my skills increase, but something that can also settle down nicely while am I am coming up to speed. I am personally leaning toward the twist, mostly based on price. However, it seems like a good fit, and I would really like to try out the Hanger 9 products. Considering my Stik has a clipped fully symetrical wing, I am thinking it will be close in aerobatic skills to the 4*. Therefore the only benefit the 4* will give me is the low wing configuration.

What I am hoping is that anyone that has experience with these planes can give me a good idea of the range of each of these planes. I especially would be interested in any information anyone can tell me about the durability of these ARFs. Of course I have read enough posts on here that I am going to supply the following caveat...I don't plan to fly this plane until I am much more comfortable with flying the Stik. Even then I will have someone else maiden it, and possibly buddy box me for the first flights while I get the rates configured to something I can handle.

Anyway I look forward to what suggests/comments you have. Also in case there is a plane that I didn't list that you think would be good let me know that as well.

Thanks!

The Twist with a 46 ax would be a great choice. Fly with low rates to start out and turn them up as you progress. I have been flying the same one for 2 seasons, have put it through the mill and it is still together. It will fly slow or fast, whatever you choose and lands like a dream.

The Twist might work for you but only if you keep the control throws low for a while. Personally, I would lean toward the Pulse or the 4* though.

I have a kit built 4 * and a Twist. Both are fun planes and take both with me to the field when I go. The 4* always gets flown 3 to 4 times as much as the Twist. Hands down, it is a stronger and a better flying plane overall. If or when I crash the Twist , I wont replace it with another. Spending the extra bucks for a better plane is worth it. IMHO
I fly with a couple of friends that have .40 size sticks. They are a little faster than my 4* but not as nimble or aerobatic. But alot also depends on how the plane is set up.
If you do get the Twist , it`s a good idea to reinforce the fuse behind the wing. I`ve had 2 of the crack doing snap rolls.