I did a lot of research and settled on the LT-40. It seems to be very well acclaimed. Just do a search for LT-40 in the forums, there are hundreds of articles and just a tiny percentage of them are negative. I am beginning to frequent the local R/C club and all the guys rave about the LT-40s stability and wonderful flying characteristics. The local hobbyshop guys know the plane....there are several members building them now...its a very easy build, I am working on mine right now. I prefer kits because I love to build these things, but the LT-40 is available in ARF too. Either way you'll probably be ok....but with the LT-40, I KNOW you'll be ok. Just get a good instructor, it probably isnt quite as durable as the other one you mentioned.