I am going to jump in here with my $.02. Myself, i prefer the Hanger 9 trainers with the Evolution system (the Extra Ez 2 is what I have). For a beginner, they are really scaled down. When your ready, it is easy to take the flywheel off and put a 2 bladed prop on and have a bit more plane.

I would foremost say support your LHS, but still shop around first off, including the net. I was able to pick up my brand new Extra Ez 2 from the net shipped to me for about $40 less than what it would have cost me at the LHS (Note: this was before I moved to Des Moines). The LHS really didn't have an intrest in getting my business, so it was pretty easy decision for me in that reguards, otherwise, you will want to do a savings vs support for your self.

Askalon