ORIGINAL: CGRetired
What is best for the beginner is a good radio that you can fly with, and expand to more than one model. The Spektrum series are fine for that. And, they can be matched up with another similar radio as a buddy-box which allows you to work with an instructor on the main transmitter with the student on the ''buddy box'' transmitter.
As he said... but I'd advise you to go one further and consider a DX8. Yes it's more expensive, but you will NOT regret spending the extra cash on that radio.
With the DX5, you'll be kicking yourself for getting such a limited TX. The DX6 is much better, but again as you move on you'll reget not having spent a bit more for a radio that will serve you through many planes, and with features that let the radio pay for itself in short order.
If you later decide that you want out of the hobby, the DX8 will be easy to sell. No one really wants to purchase used entry level radios... but good used radios are always in demand.