Actually, I think you should get one of each kind of plane like the rest of us.
That means a #7 Stanley Bailey, a 607 Bedrock, a bevel up plane or two from Lee Valley or Lie Nielsen. And if you run across a #6 along the way, pick it up too. :)
I have a 607 Bedrock for my jointer. I can tell you that a # 5 1/2 Bailey that I have gets used a lot. It will joint lengths up to 36 to 42 ".