RE: Handle the wind
I'd highly recommend the Goldberg Tiger 2. I've flown a couple of them now while helping people getting started, and was surprised by how well they track in the wind. MUCH better than a 4*, and at least as good as a Super Sportster, another good second plane. (Yes, I've flown and own both the others, and just inherited a Tiger 2.)
By the way, I've flown all three planes in 20 to 25 MPH wind, gusting to 30 and a bit higher.
Dennis-