I've decided to install the canopy release. Some don't. At this point I'll probably do it exactly per plan, but I am considering putting the release handle vertical out the bottom of the sub-panel rather than thru to the front panel. The final criteria to decide will be based on whether the canopy can really be released in flight, or whether the struts would hold it on.
If I can't release the canopy in flight due to other parts, than I'll put the release handle vertical down under the sub-panel. I do intend to do aerobatics and so having the canopy ejected for egress is a good idea. But if the struts or other parts prevent in-flight release then no need to buren the panel with a release handle. So we'll see.
