Looking to get started in RC Soaring
I bought a Spirit 2M ARF last year. It was a decent plane, but didn't like my abuse (I'm a leadfoot with our winch). It flew pretty well and didn't weigh a ton.
We also had several Apire ARFs compete in our contest circuit. They perfomed well for 2 meters.
A foamie should build fast and they are tough! I taught my kids to fly with an electric foamie (a Push-E-Cat) and they couldn't end its life no matter how hard they tried.
Radio brands can verge on religious wars. I fly with JR equipment but I know people who use Airtronics, Hitec and Futaba with just as much success. In all of the above, they all have lower end radios for a reasonable amount of money.
Be patient if you struggle thermalling for the first little bit. When you do catch that first thermal, it is a complete rush.
good luck,
Kevin