I agree that Nitro Models Inc., owners of NitroRCX, Hobby Partz, Nitro Planes, XHeli, etc....is a "mixed bag".

Many forum users have had great experiences with the distributor. I, personally, will never order from them again.

If you absolutely love to talk on the phone, while a customer service specialist holds your proverbial hand, then I recommend Horizon Hobbies and their respective brands. HobbyZone, ParkZone, E-flite, Hangar 9, etc....

If you prefer to fly, crash, repair, and repeat....then the monetary savings from Asian distributors is worth the lack of product support.

But, make no mistake! All ARF and RTF models are made in Asia! Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam .... whatever.

Hobbico, Inc. also provides decent customer service, but you will pay more for their excellent return policies and expedited communication.

The previous suggestion, to buy an entire replacement plane, is a good idea. Nitro Models constantly discontinues older products, and fails to remove the merchandise from their website. So, find any spare parts, while you still can. And, the cost of major replacement parts can often justify buying the entire ARF, anyways.

Also, learn to repair you models, because this will help you become a better builder!

Multiplex products are quite an exception. EPO foam is so durable, that you will never have it that "Easy" again.

The more obvious sailplane to fly, after - hopefully - mastering the Easy Star, is the Easy Glider. But, be prepared to spend2-3 times the money!

Or....clip the Easy Star's wingtips, add ailerons and a brushless inrunner, and four-channel radio....

The major problem I see with Nitro Planes, is the strictlydot-com business model. I, literally, found it easier to reach their employees throughsocial networks, rather than a traditional business channel, like telephones and e-mail. ????

The company survived a change in management, and promised better customer service with the new management, but the people who actually do the work, are still young and inexperienced.

And, obviously, so are you .... keep flying, and after you master a primary trainer - then and only then -decide if you like this hobby for the longhaul.