My son (5 years old) has been racing for a little over a year now. He started with a DX2 and using my OLD XL2P. We made a switch last week to a M8. I put the neck strap on it (one drop from the drivers stand and good by radio, as he holds it over the rail) for him and he LOVES it. The weight does not seem to bother him.
Hope this helps.
Chuck