I disagree.

While it IS a wonderful flyer, lands gently, and is a good value, it is not suitable as the next level up for a beginner.

The problem is primarily with launching the plane.... particularly the first flights and until the beginner gets the hang of it.

A novice has to contend with an out of trim plane with a good amount of roll tendancy ( it has pretty good thrust... ) while hand launching for the first time, and trying to grab a TX.

Even with help this spells a recipie for disaster.

Then there are the grass landings. Beginners may not be used to stalling the plane inches above the ground and tend to fly it into the ground.

By the time a novice learns to deal with the plane, they have likely spent far more in replacement and auxillary items and parts...

I've seen all of the above happen with EXPERIENCED flyers... who deal with Giant Scale planes... myself included.

I have one of these planes and I find that what works best is to dial in a "launch" mix on my TX.

This mix, gives the correct amount of up elevator and throttle to take the plane high immediately after launch, and makes the hand launches MUCH easier.... I have plenty of time to fumble reaching for the controls, then switch off the mix with the plane high and with good airspeed.

However novices are unlikely to own computer controlled TX's that provide for such a mix, and would be unable to deal with these complexities.

It's a good plane... but as a "second" plane.... PASS

BTW: it flies GREAT with 2200mAH 20C+ 3S LiPo's.