In my opinion, the big draw of the Nexstar is all of the "extras" that come with it to enable someone to learn to fly on their own. Plus the Nexstar is an all-inclusive package with plane, engine, and radio equipment. I think that either one would make a fine trainer, it just depends on your needs. I built an LT40 last year and trained on it, but had an instructor. It was a good choice for my first plane.

Kerry