ORIGINAL: DBCherry
I don't think durability is a real issue either, IF you're going to have an instructor. In my eight years in this hobby I've never seen a trainer crash while on a buddy box, and if your instructor doesn't let you solo too soon, there's no reason a balsa trainer won't last for years.
I totally disagree. I see at the field every day guys destroying trainers in slight crashes that with a Spad you'd be flying again in 10 minutes. If I said to them, "Hey, I guess you should have stayed on the buddy cord!" they would not take it too well. Whatever the reason, they are now out $125 or so for a new trainer, not to mention the hours it'll take to move their radio and engine to the new plane. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the punishment does not fit the crime. From beginner to intermediate flyer, durability is a REAL issue.