There is a little more to the Nexstar than just the simulator. The Nexstar also includes removable speed brake flaps, removable "Anti-spin/Anti-stall Spin Control Airfoil Extensions", and an adjustable "Active Flight Stabilization" system which automatically levels the plane should you lose control (based on light levels around the plane). They do away with rubber bands and use a type of bolt in "Pivotflex" system that pops the wing clear of the fusilage under force, giving the craft a more sleek appearance. The snap-in landing gear has a much better look than the wire landing gear of the Alpha. The simulator is specific to the aircraft, including adjustments for the all of the removable and adjustable components, plus it includes a USB cable to connect your radio to your PC. It also has a couple of options for future upgrades.

The big kicker...they guarantee you will learn to fly:
"The NexSTAR is such a great way to learn to fly that we guarantee your success! As long as you train at an AMA-chartered club with a qualified, club-designated instructor, if you crash before successfully learning to fly, we’ll repair or replace it with any Hobbico trainer of up to equal value...FREE!"

Anyway, I didn't mean to put a plug in here for the Nexstar considering this is an Alpha topic. If you want to read RC Universe's review, you can read it here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=258

Basically, comparing trainer to trainer, the Alpha is the Taurus to the Nexstar Cadilac, at least in print. The question is: Are all these bells and whistles worth a hundred bucks? Perhaps the $100 is better spent on the next kit, and not on goodies for a first-time trainer.

BTW, I think I am going to go with the Alpha over the Arrow. I know this is not my last plane, and it may serve more as a fun second plane to let friends (or my wife, hehe) participate later on down the road.