milky,

I think Boss's recommendation is a good one. The ParkZone planes look and perform better because they are not meant for beginners. With the exception of the Slo-V, they are all scale models.

Hobby Zone (same company as ParkZone) uses a Z1 to Z3 skill rating. You can choose from the new Scout or the Firebird ST II or the Challenger for good first planes.

The advantage of these bird-like planes with the prop in the back is to keep you from breaking it on a crash or nose-in landing. The hard landings hit a rubber nose that absorbs most of the shock.

Good luck!