Wyatt W, The Extra Easy2 is a great plane and comes with a JR 5-channel, but the Nextstar is a great plane also that uses a 4-channel radio. Both come with their pros and cons. The Extra Easy has a 5-channel radio and the Nextstar RTF comes with the realflight simulator. The plane choice is not the major concern here, either plane here would train you. I'm not sure if the extra channel on the JR will make all that much difference honestly while you are learning. Usually, people move on to atleast a 6 channel Radio after using their trainer box. How much of a price difference is there between the two choices? Both are great planes and would do the job equally well. I am leaning toward the Nextstar only because of the simulator that come with it. Being that you are new to Nitro powered model aircraft, this will allow you to practice if the weather isn't cooperating that day and will still allow you to fly and practice regardless of the weather conditions outside. Honestly, unless you plan on never going past a 5 channel radio, then the Extra Easy is the way to go. Getting the radio from the beginning, but this is highly unlikely once you get more involved in the hobby. I now have a Futaba 9C (9-channel Computer Radio) The JR's extra channel is not going to be used while you fly your trainer unless you have individual aileron servos set up, which is really over kill to me while you are learning to fly since you can't utilize the function to it's fullest while learning. Focus more on learning to fly than other things right now is the advice I give to new pilots. This saves money also. The 4-channel Futaba that comes with the Nextstar can be used as buddy box once you get your more advanced computer radio, but then again JR computer radio will allow an easy set up, mixing capabilities, but the use of exponential is worth the extra cost if ther is some. Like I said, both have their pros and cons. If you don't need the Simulator, then the Extra Easy is a good choice because of the Radio that come with it. You'll be happy with either choice.

Hope this has helped some.
DTB