Ok I want to make my decision so I can stop obsessing about planes all day I've got a few ideas and would love your vote and comments.

My situation: two summers flying planes, currently competing in sportsmans. Flying Venus II with YS 110s (in shop in Nevada because I apparently over loaded it with a 15x10 on 20% nitro?) and have a Yak with a 120AX, also a Venus .40 w/55AX. I drive a Civic coupe and live in a small apartment with small doors. My goal is to shoot for Nats next summer, and/or hopefully bump up to intermediate by the end of the summer.

I want to replace the Venus and get something that has been engineered specifically for pattern. I like the idea of electric since it is 4 hours each way and $20/gallon for fuel; not really looking into burning even more fuel with a larger engine. Of course there must be some kind of learning curve, but then there is with the YS since it's now out of my hands for ~3 weeks.

I hate to say it, but I saw the Focus Sport at the last meet and it just doesn't appeal to me, and it looks kind of small (do they lie about the specs??) after judging 2 rounds with a Focus competing. This is (also) a hobby so I want a plane I will like.

[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDupIvy2o0&feature=related]me flying.[/link]

Dang Joe!
You fly really well!
Sportsman must be very tuff over there in D2!

I'm afraid I checked "other" either because I wasn't familiar with the planes or I didn't think
they were that far ahead of what you're flying now.
I'm two weeks in to my first electric 2 meter pattern plane and I can't say enough good things about it.
There really isn't much learning curve to it. I followed Chris Moon's advice and did exactly what folks
that have a lot of electric success are doing...exactly!
I think the learning curve is actually steeper for a glow motor.
Wish I was more help with the actual plane choice but wanted to give you MHO on the "E" thing.
Good luck!
JLK

why not go ahead ang get a Focus 2 its not the much bigger than the aquila, and an OS 160 is perfect for, true its a little more money, buts its a great flying airplane, and you can get the 1.60 for about 275.00

Personally, I'd upgrade your servos, to something that will carry over to one of these other designs that you have your eye on. If you question your servos in this plane, they will be the same in another plane. I hate buying servos, but I've recently learned to get good servos from the start and you won't be wondering if you need to replace them. This is just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt. I need to get a Venus II. I've flown one with a Saito 1.25 and would love to try one out with a YS 1.10 or OS 1.20 AX.

I voted SebArt even though I stood to gain from the well built Patriot[8D]

More than anything, you need stick time and I believe electric offers that. Yes the flight times are shorter, but gone are the days of balky engines and equipment failure due to vibration and fuel/oil contamination.

I voted to wait until you can move to a fully competitive 2 Meter Pattern Ship. You have done your time on the learning planes. If your goal is really the NATS, then get the most competitive plane you can. Buy it used to save money. Good deals will be available between seasons.

Of the planes you listed, the Wind 110 is the clear winner in my opinion. It is an exceptional plane, but still not a 2 meter.

Joe,

I'd agree with Wes... You already have a nice plane and engine... so go for high precision servos that you can take with you to your next plane. You're flying great, so I'd think that *****g out the throws and adding precision to the controls will add more polish to your style than simply a new airframe.

Best Regards.... Roger Parrett

Some Great Flying, Joe!....IMHO stay with your trusty "Venus" & look for a GOOD/USED YS110fz, NOT the "s"; you will be rewarded with a strong, user/friendly, great running engine....You can then focus on other things....FWIW
Ed

Joe,

For the classes you are flying, you are going to gain nothing by getting any of the designs you mentioned. Fly what you have. There is nothing wrong with the Venus II. Then start saving for a real 2 meter ship. All of the planes on your list fly well, but none fly as well as a full blown 2 meter ship. Don't get in a rush to buy something, just to say you bought it.

Arch

It's a hobby.

Get what appeals to you and fly the you know what out of it. Stick time is going to be more beneficial to you at this juncture than anything else.

I say get the best used, ready to fly, 2M pattern plane you can afford. I've taped you flying and although not an expert, feel you would excel even more with the most capable plane you can get your hands on. Just my poor two cents worth.

If I knew I could easily fit a 2M plane in my 2dr coupe (not hatchback, and what a strange word to spell) and through my apartment, I would get one. I'm not moving or getting a new car for at least 2 more years. The Wind makes the most sense to me as it's a capable plane and will fit in my small spaces. Actually the Fliton Element was at the top of my list until I found out that it was a once piece wing - definitely won't fit in the car as the Venus wing barely makes it.

There are a lot of good thoughts above and I will think about them all.

For some reason I'm surprised to see the owner of the Patriot vote for the Wind, and that's a weighted vote My thoughts about electric were that it would give me more and more reliable stick time.

Joe,

The electrics give you more stick time, only if you have several charged packs, and also hope that you never have a problem with a pack. I just really don't see what you are gaining by changing planes. I have seen the Wind fly and it presents and flies pretty much like a Venus II. It is not significantly if any better. I would take the money and invest in good servos. Also, you can buy a LOT of fuel for the price of a new plane. The 1.10 doesnt burn that much fuel....

Arch

Patience is a virtue........

Go with the Wind and switch to electric ASAP. You will not regret it. The Wind is a better model and electric is a better power source. Especially when you do get those better servos. They won't get beat to death by vibration from a banging 4-cycle. There is some stuff to learn to fly electric, but you've already seen that the YS is not foolproof either. Make the switch now and you'll never look back.

Joe,
Here's another thought: convert the Venus 2 to electric and sell the YS when it comes back from service. Use the money that you make off the YS AND the money that you save by not buying another airplane to buy batteries. You need a minimum of 3 packs - 4 is better. You also need some support equipment. I know you're on somehwhat limited funds so spend money on stuff that will let you spend more time in the air. THAT will get you ready for the NAT's and / or a move up to Intermediate. A new airplane is cool but at this point I think you'll get more bang from your buck by having a reliable power system that will let you fly without worries. The Venus is a good airplane especially if you're limited to that smaller size. The electric learning curve is not as steep as it used to be thanks to the pioneering work of many of the Pattern guys. If you go that route, ask questions. I'm sure you'll have plenty of help.

John Pavlick
Team Black Magic, Tech-Aero Designs