If I had a Chrysalis and a Monarch of equal weight (say 10 oz) would the Monarch be noticeably better and in what way?

From : Don Stackhouse

When we first developed the Chrysalis we noticed that it's performance in light air was surprisingly competitive with the Monarch 'C'. Good advertising for the Chrysalis but bad for Monarch 'C' sales! At the same time a lot of folks were asking for a light air contest ship with better launch height. In the Monarch 'D' we used the latest aerodynamics technology we developed while designing the Chrysalis and Wizard to come up with the ultimate 2-channel light air model, both in performance and handling.

The Monarch 'D-lite' would be somewhat overweight at 10 oz., 8.9 to 9.5 is more typical for the ones we build for ourselves. I believe that an excellent builder using the newest techniques and ultra-micro radios could probably get one under 8.5 oz.. The Chrysalis is overweight at 10 oz., 8.5 to 9.5 is more typical for a very good one, but because of the variables of builder technique and wood properties, the Chrysalis does seem to have a wider variation in weight than the highly pre-fabricated Monarch. With some heroic measures and serious modifications (check the notes on our website about Eric Farmer's 7 oz. Chrysalis) it is possible to get an un-painted Chysalis down to ridiculously low weights, although I suspect that a flier with a really strong arm would probably see some flutter on Eric's model because of the lightweight covering.

Getting back to your question, the Monarch 'D-lite' has significantly better handling (especially in turns), much better launch height (almost as good as the Wizard), better penetration and L/D, and better sink rate and thermalling ability. The Chrysalis is an excellent model as low-cost built-up ships go, but it is no match for a Monarch 'D' or 'D-lite'.

Next how does the monarch compare to the Chrysalis in wind (say 10-12 MPH)?

Better. Significantly better. Both models also respond well to ballast, unlike the earlier Monarchs. However, at 10-12 mph you're getting close to Wizard territory. The Monarch 'D' will do well at 12 kts (14 mph) and more, but the Wizard is "just coming into its element" at those wind speeds. In anything more than about 12 kts I would probably choose the Wizard.

Don Stackhouse @ DJ Aerotech