OK everyone, I'm really going to need all your expert advice.

I'v decided to start on a quadcopter project.

I love what DIYDRONES has brought to the table. I'm a linux user and believe in the open source community. I love to see the world work together toward a common goal.

So let me start with what I want to achieve in my project.  I'v decided on a "X" quad configuration. It just seems to me a quad would be more efficient than a 6 or 8 motor design. Maybe one of those would be good if one wanted to lift heavy payloads.

I want a fun toy. I'm certainly going to be crawling, then walking, then running through the course of the project. What I dont want to do is start building something that is going to fail to meet my expectations in the end. So, with that in mind. I want something that is going to be able to do some 3D flying when I'm up to the task.

I'v currently picked out some 40A (420W) 1300Kv Turnigy motors. Weighs 87g ea. Anyone have a reason why these would be a bad choice? Also, what do you suggest for a proper sized prop? I'm thinking somewhere around 9X5 or a 10X4.5 Thier test showed 1650g of thrust but they didnt specify a prop. This X4 gives me total of about 14lbs of static thrust. Is this going to meet my expectations? what kind of thrust figures are some of you flying vs AUW?

I'v chosen the HobbyKing SS 50-60A ESC's. weighs in at 63g ea.

I'd like to be able to able to carry couple different battery options onboard depending on the mission at hand. Something lighter like a 3000mah for 3D play and up to a 8000mah for some long duration flights. 8000mah weighs in at 700g.

The 3D aspect is where i'm skeptical of the APM boards here. It seems that most who are doing 3D flying are going with the KK black board or a re-flashed HobbyKing board. I really anticipate the learning experience of the APM2 and all the advanced functions it comes with it, but does it come with a price in the responsiveness of flying?

Does anyone have any experience witht he Turnigy "Talon" carbon fiber frame HobbyKing sells? It looks quite nice, but at $30 i'm skeptical.  weighs in at 240g

I'll also gladly take any suggestions as I know I'm going somewhat blindly into this project. If you folks can save me some headache and money, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks