As a beginner I wanted to share this thought with other beginners and maybe seasoned flyers as well? I recently purchase an ARF product from an online organization (Troy Built Models), the contact was great, the product shipped fast. When I got the unit I began putting it together, about 75% complete I decided to check the electonics Tx/Rx, to my surprise an important component of the Tx did not work. I called Troy Built and within 24 hours the issued was addressed by Troy Built's staff, (great guys). A complete new unit was given to me without a problem and fast, 24 hours! On the other hand I ordered product from one of those Big Hobby online companies, who's prices are hard to beat, checked to make sure all the components were in stock, paid a hefty shipping charge and still over a week later nothing has even been shipped.

Point I'm trying to make here is, "what if what I purchased from the big online guy is none functional". I'm still waiting for my initial purchase, how long will it take them to get me a replacement (if they choose too)? For you beginners like me, I think you might want to consider a stateside vendor first, like Troy Built Models who will put your issues from beginning to end in the front of the line?

Well, this is just a suggestion from my personal experience, hope it will help another beginner.