brad:
interesting comments regarding the edge vs. extra comparison. i suspect you don't have much stick time on either one, certainly not big ones, where the differences are obvious. first, by design the edges have longer tail moments than Extras, and as a result, have better damping. That makes them extremely forgiving, not prone to unexpected snaps, and very easy to land. The Extras (all of them) use a double taper wing, which creates a more aft CG, which creates a more unstable airplane. Whether that's good depends on what you want. Now, let's look at competition, which you seem interested in. The Edges are clearly the superior airplane in the lower classes (basic through intermediate) because of how well behaved they are, and they fly straight. They do require more energy to snap, which remains an advantage in the lower classes, where snaps are used sparingly. In the upper classes, the Extras start to have an advantage because the pilots have to snap more, and rudder authority for rolling turns also comes into play - again, an area where the Extras have an advantage - but the Edge is still very competitive. That is why at the TOC the Extras have been the dominant airplane, but for the last few years, there have always been pilots competing with either the Carden or Aeroworks Edge - the 540 or the 540T. And when the Aero Works 36% and 40% Edges were popular, that was THE airplane at IMAC events - often comprising more than 50% of the field. As far as spin entries, the Edges are much easier to maintain a good heading, again, because of their longer tail moments. And again, that is a big advantage in the lower classes. There is nothing unique about spinning and Edge, and with a touch of down elevator they will clean right up. So for entry level precision, I always recommend the Edge (assuming it isn't an overweight pig in which nothing helps) over an Extra or Cap for anyone who is either a sport flyer, or a lower class competition flyer.