I cannot make up my mind between the two manufactures-any experience on either one from any of you would be appreciated-thanks

I cannot comment on the FTL engine, but the XYZ engine from southeastrcengines.com is a great running engine for the money. Go the www.southeastrcengines.com and take a look at the video's of the engines. I have the XYZ-50 on a Skyshark P-40 and it fly's the plane very well. Very easy to start, idels great and has very good transition.

I bought the xyz 26 and it only ran about 1 hour and the bearings were gone.

The CRRC 26 seems to have a good reputation. I have one but have not run it yet.

I have the XYZ 26cc A-Spec.
the engine ran flawlessly for over 4 gallons.
at the beginning, the engine refused to work properly, after further investigation i found that the hall sensor connector was broke, i changed it to a standart JST(futaba, but it doesnt really matter) and it never stopped since...
some numbers, these were taken after approx. 3 gallons of gas running 1:33-40 synthetic (mobile racing), static measurments:
16X8 MA (worst prop ever) - 7700 rpm
17X6APC - 8100rpm
18X6W 7000rpm (this prop loads the engine ro much, you can actually hear the RPM loss at verticals) great static thrust.
16X6APC 8800 rpm

this engine is not a "super power house", but it sure worth every dollar is spent on it.
once you go gas, you never go glow again.