I have also had two HobbyZone products . The Firebird Outlaw and the Firebird XL . Nether are really like the ones you purchased but they are a bit similar . As far as the challenger and commander , I think they may be a little to hard for a 12 year old to fly on his first few tries . My advise is to ma be go get a FIREBIRD OUTLAW for him to fly for a while . I loved the thing and may buy another some time . I'ts performance is ok , vary maneuverable . It can't do any tricks though . I liked it so much because it was only something like $40-50 RTR I think . Heck , I liked it much more than my old FIRBIRD XL $130.00 . It should be vary easy for someone that has never flown be for to fly . What I can tell you about all the HOBBYZONE airplanes is that they are all vary forgiving to control and they are a lot tougher than most planes when they crash . I flew my FIREBIRD XL into a light pole at about 35 MPH and I was flying it again an hour later . What ever you do , do not buy a FIREBIRD XL . That thing is fast , but its maneuverability is all most nonexistent . About the wind , it depends on who is flying and which airplane . For the kid , 0-5 mph , for you , ma be 0-12 mph . A good pilot can fly one at 15 mph , but its not any fun anymore by then . If you have any more questions reply them or if you want to you can PM me . I hope I have help any .