I've seen this question asked on another thread but it wasn't answered. Is there a difference in performance between these two mics, or just size?

Why not look here? http://www.countryman.com/

Or ask on the pro sound group on usenet, rec.arts.movies.production.sound

if you want to hear from people who are quite likely to have used both in productions.

Spec-wise they look to be similar but if that were true, why have the larger unit at all? I understand the dilema

Mike, thanks for the other forum link. I will contact countryman, but wanted some outside opinions as well. Maybe I'm mistaken, but it seems like with lavs there's only a few hundred dollars difference between entry-level and top-of-the line. Maybe this is one area where I can afford the best?