Something versatile would be great. Some nice glider which can also get some speed for looping and rolls etc.
Any recommendations? Thank you!
I've got a Calypso, and it's a fantastic plane -- a good mix between the radian and radian pro. It's full-house control, with a cheap flap Option ($2 for the horns and linkages, and you supply two 5-9g micro servos) all on a light airframe with washouts for stability.
It's docile to handle in the air, and floats really well. I've been able to loop, roll, and fly inverted -- all while gliding. At full throttle it will climb at about 70 degrees till the battery gives up or you let her come down. I have caught a thermal or two (poorly -- I'm still learning), but no slopes nearby to play on. It does have good penetration and can be fun tacking through a strong wind.
The stock/recommended battery (3s 1300mah) will get you 4-6 min of climb which can equate to 25-30 minutes of flight time *In dead air*! The OEM has stated they've flown it successfully up to 2200mah, and I've seen someone flying it with a tiny 300mah(!) -- enough for one climb to get into the good air.
Wing loading is fairly low so there is lift capability for a small payload, and the hatch has a good space for a small/medium FPV rig -- seen one in action that worked great.
All that AND a little paint or tape and it makes GREAT wall art:
It's great, but nothings perfect.
I will warn, the washouts on the wingtips give some stability but don't expect it to self right -- It's so slow to do it, the effect is almost not there. For that, I'd agree with many reviews I've seen -- it's a good glider trainer, but not a good first trainer. If you've learned to self-right the multirotors, you'll be fine.
Also the rudder is a touch anemic with the default throws. Use the OEM's recommendation for maiden, but once you get the feel of it, move in a hole or two on the rudder horn. Ailerons are also slow, but that's a feature of the design not a flaw.
consider carefully using the "any-link" if you get the Txr version -- it's a handy module for close in, but the point of gliders is flying with some range. Haven't heard a horror story yet of the any-link failing for range, but it's not a full-range transmitter module.
I'd also like to mention the models you're picking among are all power gliders. While they climb under power, the ones good at gliding are designed to be flown deadstick. I'm not so extreme to say, that "after climbing once you need to land again before launching", but this isn't a sport plane -- the motor is for climbing to altitude or the "oh crap" bust of thrust. Don't expect a good experience puttering around at a level altitude on low throttle. It won't be happy, you'll hate fighting it's trim, and possibly overheat the motor/ESC/battery.