Tough decision to make. Here is my take. My brother and myself our building 2 STI’s. Originally I thought they where the way to go. Now I am rethinking our decision. Here is why. Based on the stall speeds many our seeing in the 7ss the STI only seems to be about 8 mph slower stall but you lose about 15-20 to on the top end. The 7ss already has great short field, not sure how much shorter STI gives you back to back same weight and HP. On the other hand I think the STI handles higher density altitude and flies better at higher altitude, which in Utah is something to consider. One of the other pluses of the STI is I like the looks better. Take this all with a grain of salt as I have only flown in the 7ss and never the STI. Hopefully is a few months I can report more! Either way should be a fun project!