The NexStar Mini EP is the way to go IMO. I own the Mini EP and so far it has outperformed the other trainers I have flown recently. Tower hobbies has the RTF on sale with coupon today for $204.00 shipped after instant coupons. For the money, this can't be beat. The plane is in real flight G5.5 so you can learn to fly it before hand.

Cons that I have noticed:
the wing mounting system helps prevent major damage in a bump, but be prepared to do minor repairs to the wings because the little screws don't hold very well. I guess that's the point, LOL.
You have to poke a hole in the fuselage monocote to adjust the front wheel servo trim.
The battery fits annoyingly snug, and the center of gravity will require the battery to be positioned way forward.
The prop is a tad brittle (carbon fiber), but has excellent thrust for an electric. I have tried many aftermarket props with this plane, but the factory one is still the best performer all around.
wheels are a little small for tall grass, but can upgrade
Don't try to adjust your control stick height. They WILL strip out. Aluminum caps on steel rods, with poor tapping = PITA!!!

Pros that I have noticed:
easy to assemble and charge
2.4ghz
fast for a trainer
nice aerobatics, not much on the snaps turns and spins
fits in a ford focus back seat fully assembled (44"wing span)
full throws on controls
inexpensive
Balsa is easy to fix
looks pretty once factory wrinkles are ironed out.
Flies well in tight spaces, but can fly high and fast too
pretty much lands by itself with throttle control and barely a touch on the elevator to flare.
Rolls, spins, hammerhead stalls, loops, inverted flying, all do outstanding considering a high wing trainer.
I get about 20 minutes max out of a new battery...not too shabby. (most of the time about 15 minutes)
lifts off in a short distance, and hand launches very nicely.


Definitely get props and another battery. AC adapter is handy if you are fying near your home. Zacto-knife, glue, balsa sticks, spruce plywood to rebuild motor mounts if you pile drive it. clear packing tape to repair monocote will save you money on your first plane, because looks don't matter after 4 or 5 crashes, LOL. You should be able to fly a dozen times or more on one set of double AA batteries in your Transmitter. I have tried to be completely honest about the negatives and positives of the NexStar Mini EP. I imagine the other radio is better than the TACTIC, but it works.