I got real flight basic, but then stepped up to the full version. Unless money is really tight, the full version is worth the extra price.

One advantage to going Specktrum is the bind and fly planes that come with Specktrum reciever, such as the Radian Pro.

The Radian is rudder/elevator, where the Pro has flaps and ailerons. I flew a buddy's Radian, then bought the Pro. They are both fun to fly. The Pro requires a bit more attention and doesn't self-correct like the Radian, but is more aerobatic.

In a normal trainer, the Apprentice I think is a good choice. It flies well, it is tough, parts are available at a reasonable price, and it has enough power to float fly.

I got the RTF that comes with a DX5. It is non- computer radio with no model memory, so if I were to have to do it again I'd have gotten a DX8 right off the bat and got the plug and play Apprentice. Then gens ace batteries from nitro planes and their 4 bank charger and power supply.

Soon you would want a charger that tells you how much it took to bring a pack to full charge, and being able to charge multiple batteries of different chemistry or capacity at the same time is very handy.