any trainer, cheap or expensive, usually flies really well. all trainers are pretty much alike. tricycle gears, downthrust, high wing with lots of dihedral, light weight, low wing loading, simple to build, andi f you are lucky, thurough instructions. a lot of the trainers charge more because either they are big brand names or they used a more expemsive wood to build. the more expensive wood is not necessary because unless you fit it with a huge engine, nothing you can ever do will snap it, break it, or structurally damage it in the air. the ground is a different story. if you aren't going for the buddy box method, get the cheapest stuff and upgrade if you feel it is necessary. however, the only hting you will notice more of on the trainer is more power so i suggest you just get a big enough engine to power your way out of trouble, and save the upgrading for another plane. for instance, if it is a .40 size trainer, a .46-50 two stroke will suit you fine. a four stroke is a waste of money on a trainer, so don't even think about it. you are only doomed to fail if you do something stupid like try to take off with down elevator or something like that. i would reccomend just getting the plane and putting large, low bounce wheels on it. use bent music wire gears. the solid aluminum or fibergalss aren't near as shock absorbing. also, streach a rubber band or two from one end of the gear to the other so it springs back into place better. when it is sitting on the goround, you want the nose pointing down so if you forget to flare, you don't ruin your nosegear, and break your prop.