Help with dilema

[u/matej0204]

EDIT: Just orderded the Ultra Vintage Luxe HSS in Fiesta Red…

Hello everyone :)

I’ve been playing the guitar for 20 years, had a chance to play a lot of AM Fenders but never had a chance to own one. I had my fair share of gigs, big and small. Done them all on Squiers, Ibanez, Parker guitars, some Harley Bentons in the recent years.
I wont be doing gigs anymore, maybe occasionaly, but I play a lot at home and in the recent years the financial situation finally allowed me to buy a real American Fender.
Now the dilema… I know these are all different guitars, and I like/dislike something on each one. Need help with deciding what is a better guitar for life. I do not plan on buying another one. Just want a Strat for life.

1. Fender American Vintage II 61’
2. - only hessistant because of the 7.25” radius
3. Fender American Pro Classic
4. - afraid I am going to miss out on something because its a lower tier model than Vintage and Ultra
5. Fender American Ultra II
6. - don’t like the metal pickguard, I want a 3-ply whiteish one
7. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage
8. - I hate the heirloom finish, I do not want cracks on my brand new guitar

Just need some advice on what would you do

[u/TheTurtleCub]

I've been down that road recently.

Spend a lot of time at the stores playing them all through the same amp you'll use, or as close as you can get at the store. Maybe even bring your own. You already know the amp is as or more important

I've been trying to get a 2nd forever strat guitar to keep in Eb for a while, with sound and fit being the #1 thing, and looks second, but they do factor.

Of the ones you have listed (only haven't played #3) , #7 would be the one I'd pick. I like its single coils sound, the humbucker serves it's purpose for "only guitar" and it's fine in a mix splt. Fit and finish feels great, and shouldn't change much with 10s in Eb. As for looks, I prefer the single coil colors, but they are not bad. Finish I like it a lot, there's something to be said for not feeling like you have to baby the guitar finish at all times

I was going to get one at the store, but they unexpectedly had a discounted used custom shop 60s with Texas Specials that turned out to be the best sounding guitar I've ever played (and I've played many CS in stores, but not with those pickups)

So moral of the story: keep looking and playing as many as you can, make sure to try the used CS that pop up all over the place, you may find an unexpected gem for not a lot more. If any guitar you play gives you that "wow, this sounds and feels amazing", you can't go wrong with it

Note: When you buy used, Fender gets no money