I agree with Jester, let him choose power and covering. I fly almost 100% glow, but the new guys usually go with electric, and even some of the older guys have switched. The support equipment you need for glow and electric are completely different, and people often have strong feelings about one or the other. Plus I think an OS 46AX is WAY overkill for this plane. That's after buddy-box training people on the same plane using an OS 40FP, which is less than half the power, from a grass field surrounded by trees. And it was plenty. But I'd let him work this out for himself. He may just go electric.

For radios, I think it's good to go with what is popular in the club he will be in. That way he can get help with any difficulties. As an instructor, I'm not happy when someone shows up with a new radio that no one else in the club uses. Then it's a struggle to help him.

Jim