cheap when you buy it yes, but look at it this way...

if you use the engine to it's max performance which i hope he will coz it's a 3D funfly, the Magnum/ASP/SC will give about two years max, my 36's in the same range all gave out after 10 months, the ASP's bearings exploded after 10 flights! now i realise the 50 sizes are a bit stronger, but they are still cheap in my mind...
now, next step the Irvine 53, it's not as good as you would think, i've not seen an impressive one here yet, but it will last longer, my Irvine 36 lasted 2 1/2 VERY! hard years
up again to the OS, Webra, West, they cost more, but they give more and will last longer.

so, you have to do some sums...

$-lifespan+power

it's worth paying that bit more for the OS and Webras and get at least double the life with lot more grunt than the cheap option.


however, as his AUW is going to be 4lbs, i'd be looking at good 36-37's on a pipe. keep the weight even lower.