"MY" humble opinion is the Vario/Ranger as a 1st heli would be the same mistake many plank (fixed wing) beginners make. I've seen the "new guy" try learning on his nice shiny P-51 with guns and retracts etc.... only to dump it right away, become discouraged & quit the hobby before he even started.

A good, dependable .30 or even a .50 unit that has good parts replacement support in your area is the best way to start. Join a club, see what they are flying and you'll do well. What ever you do, don't (I repeat -- DON'T) attempt to learn alone. You will (WILL) destroy your heli, quite possibly hurt yourself and/or others. I tell you from experience - I tried, destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed, shelved it for 4 years until I was lucky enough to meet a guy who taught me the right way. My goal at the time was "If I could only hover I'd be in heaven"...... now my goal is to finish a Vario 500E (one of 6 Heli's I now own) !

Point of interest: The "guy" who taught and is STILL teaching me is "Doorman" who left you the other msg.

Good Luck - remember, Never give up and never surrender !

Floyd.