Martin,
I'm a long time, high time heli pilot and were where I was about 6 months ago in your Gyro search. I have logged time in several different makes and models of Gyroplanes including Magni 16 & 24, AG Calidus, Cavalon, RAF, Machettti, Arrow Copter, Air Command, McCJ2, A&S 18A. I have researched a lot more makes and models and read as many owner/pilot reviews as I could find. I've also tried to get time in a couple of other makes/models but could not find one available for a demo flight. Plus, I placed a high importance on factory support of parts, Q&A, same make/model owners near me, etc. But the number one thing I was looking for was a high quality build and flight quality. So, I began to rule out models that had narrow (not wide) main gear, hidden "critical" flight controls that could not be inspected during routine preflights, nose wheels that propagated deviation of flight path when touching down in a cross wind, reported problems with rotor blades, cracked fames/masts, body construction that is difficult or impossible to repair, any model that I was unable to get a demo flight in, less than 10 activity flying in the U.S.A, and as a Heli pilot, I absolutely hate stick shake. I understand it can not be totally eliminated, but I have seen videos and flown in at least (4) makes, models were the blades were tracked and balanced so well and the aircraft made/tuned so well, that the stick moved no more than 1/4" and the cabin was also not shaking. So, happy to hear you are considering the AR1, since it was in my top 3 choices as well. You will find Abid at Siverlight to be very responsive to all your questions and will find it rather easy to get all the information you should need about the AR1. I was lucky enough to have (2) AR1s within an hour drive from my home and was able to fly with them several weeks back. That helped a lot as I would never purchase a model I had not flown.