I had the first version Firebird, because I wanted something I could fly in the snow, cheap, that I wouldn't have to wipe oil off, afterward. It had very short flight times, marginal power to fly level, ineffective turning controls and no aerobatic capability, whatsoeever. I'm pretty sure that if I hadn't solo'd before I bought it, the plane would have been left buried in a snowbank, due to being unable to maintain my interest. I now, in winter, fly a couple other electrics, with more power and capable of loops & rolls.

The Fighterbird, I understand, has more power and better control. If that's all you want, or if you want the combat module, and money's an issue, you're on the right track.

However, if you're looking at the guys at a club do aerobatics or 3D, and thinking you're going to use the Fighterbird as an intro to get into the same kind of aerobatics or 3D... I think your money would be better spent on an introductory plane of the 4 channel type.

Your call. Good luck!
Dave Olson