Wow! What insightful and helpful responses! This place is awesome.Thank you guys.

I will be stopping by my LHSto get my first plane later today after work, so I still have some time to decide. The only reson I have chosen these two planes is because I have some prior experience, and didn't want to get bored after a week with the plane. With that said, I understand how the Beast 3D could be too big of a jump. The carbon cub looks like the prospect as of now, unlessthere another UMX plane from http://www.e-fliterc.com/ under $150 that you would recomend.

Again, thanks for being so supportive and helpful guys! RCUniverse is a great community!