Don't rule out a nice Champ if you find one. I currently have two Champs and have one since 1998. Great little airplanes for what you are looking at doing. Both of mine or 90 HP champs. Less that 100 HP gets rid of the annual AD note on the wing spar unless you have metal spars. As for aerobatics, you can do the basics but not much more in either airplane.

Glen

I have had an 8KCAB for 5+ years and love it. I keep thinking how fun it might be to find the time to try primary/sportsman level aerobatics but that never seems to be in the cards. I just fly it for the "fun" flights around the area and the $100 hamburger runs and the occasional loop and roll.

Btw, a simnple tip when looking at Decathlons versus Citabrias is the thickness of the front wig strut. Citabrias have front and rear stuts the same size. Decathlons have a front strut more wider.

In regard to aerobatics. Decathlon wins hands down with its more symetrical wing and aileron spades. Plus a inverted oil system.

The plane is not a Pitts but a very good trainer otherwise.

Champion Aircraft uses Ceconite and Randolph paint on their models. Over time the Randolph loses its elasticity and begins to crack and peel. One can strip the paint off the cover.. but more or less its just economical to strip and recover.
Same with Bellanca Vikings.

I would not buy any that has the wood spar. The metal spar update is much better and only costs $20k. I know one owner who hadnhis inserted into the factory assembly line. 3 days later flew it home for $18K check.

Other than that. 7AC champs with 85 HP cruise at 90 MPH. A J3 Cub cruise at 70-80 Mph but is much more fun!
Open Window and better short field performance make the J3 the best fun!

I vote for the 7KCAB because it has a 150hp engine with full inverted systems. If you were just going to fly aerobatics, I'd buy the 150 hp Decathlon because of the symmetrical wings. Since you want to go puddle jumping and do aerobatics, I think you'll be happier with the 7KCAB since the flat bottom wing gives you better climb performance (especially with 2 people on board). I used to own one and it was A LOT of fun!