Can I fly my SS at 1/2 throttle and still be able to maneuver it well? At what point would I reduce the throttle? (I assume it has to be at full throttle to take off...even with a hand launch?)

Thanks for the help

In the Kiwi vernacular, the only thing to do is "suck it and see!" EVERY SS is different so there are no hard and fast rules - you just have to try it out.

Cheers, Phil

My SS will take off in about 20' and climb out very scale like at 1/3 throttle.
" scale like " can that be used in the same sentence with the SS?
But you know what I mean.

It depends on the battery, motor, prop, ground, weather, CG.

My SS will not take off from a hand launch at 1/2 throttle. Trial and error....now I know!