[mjfrederick]

I started flying pattern again about a year and a half ago with my late-80's designed airplane with a YS 61 and retracts. It wasn't great, but it got me started back. The newer designs with the larger fuselages and fixed gear are, in my opinion, much easier to keep at a constant speed throughout the flight, which is very desirable. As far as the fixed vs retracts, I don't really notice much difference, the gear does give a little bit of drag, but then again, that can be a good thing sometimes.

I say take what you have, and go fly. Learn the new sequences and have fun. I lucked out and got my hands on a Genesis with a 140DZ and all digital servos for a steal after only 2 contests back. You never know, you might go to a contest with your old equipment and find a great deal on some more recent designs that someone is trying to sell. The most important thing is to jump back in, no matter what you have.