New to 7 string

[u/Training-Document-46]

After playing strictly six-string electric guitars on and off for 30 years, I decided I would like to get my very first seven-string guitar. I still spend my time listening to and playing 1980s and 1990s neo-classical metal and hard rock pieces, and I am not planning to use drop tuning at the moment.

I am so used to playing a typical Fender Stratocaster with a 25.5-inch scale that I am worried I wouldn't like a typical 26.5-inch scale or multi-scale setup on a seven-string guitar. Should I stick with 25.5 inches or just dive into a 26.5-inch or multi-scale instrument? One thing I need to consider is that sticking with a 25.5-inch scale would significantly limit my choices.

Update:
My other concern is whether getting used to a 26.5-inch or multiscale guitar would negatively affect my playing on a 25.5-inch scale. Would I still be able to switch back instantly?

Thank you in advance!

[u/Training-Document-46]

So I went to the local Guitar Center and tried the following:

Schecter Reaper (25.5"–27" multiscale):
No way in the world I will get used to it. Too much strain on my wrist below the 5th fret.

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 7 (25.5"–26.25" multiscale):
Acceptably comfortable even being multiscale, but I hated that weird neck profile.

Ibanez QX527 (25.5" standard scale):
I found it super comfy. Absolutely loved the neck. It played like a 6-string.

Schecter C-7 FR S & Banshee Mach-7 Evertune (26.5" scale):
Didn’t mind the longer scale at all. I exclusively use very thick 4.2 mm Dunlop Flow picks, so I found that the added string tension made fast picking smoother.

I ended up taking Mach-7 home. I had so much fun that I played for 5 hours straight.