I just compelted my first kit, a Tower Hobbies Uproar 40. I think the Uproar kits are great. They have plenty of balsa, full size plans, decent written instructions, and the plane is a simple design. I bought the kit from Tower back when it was on sale for $35.00, picked up a used Magnum .40 for $40.00 and got a great deal on a used JR 5 channel radio for $66.00. Even with parts and building supplies, I have the plane together and totally ready to fly for less than $200.00.

I haven't had the plane flown yet (I just soloed last week with my EX2), but I think it will be plenty of fun. I am not ready for any 3-D stuff yet anyway.

IMHO, the Uproar is a great plane for a first build.