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.
Dennis-
I have seen planes go down while on the bb (trainers) i like the way the deby flies better then any other trainer i have flown.