I am a beginner myself, but my take on the whole symmetrical/ asymmetrical issue is this. An asym is a reaching sail, not the greatest for a run with go a little higher than a chute. It has to be jibed around the forestay...which to me seems a bit of a pain...and are best combined with use of a bowsprit. Chutes are best sailed just off the wind....so I am told (faster).....but are great dead downhill as well. Down side is the spinnaker the pole and related rig. I can jibe a pole while solo, but some folks might not like it much. I have gotten my symmetrical to pull a LOT harder on a reach by extending my pole (mine adjusts in length) down between the pulpit stanchions...held down by a downhaul. Just like a kind of sprit. It tightens the leach and foot and works more like a really mondo genny. But it still only works well up to and slightly past a beam reach. That's my elementary take on it all anyway. Cheers, Tim D. M17 PUFF