I started on an Avistar about 12 years ago. This last month a beginner brought in an Avistar with a OS .40 la engine on it. The plane will loop, barrel roll, hammerhead, and it'll fly upside down all day long. In about 3 weekends, he's flying by himself, landing and learning aerobatics. Someone else brought out a Superstar, and yes it's bigger and more stable, but not by much. I think you'll grow out of the superstar much quicker than the avistar. As for the durability, I can say that both are really strong. The first time my beginner was setting up for a landing, he hit a pine tree about 50 ft up in the air.....he took a chunk out of the wing, but the fuse was in great shape, no damage. The next weekend, he had the wing repaired and the plane flies like nothing ever happened.

Honestly, I dont think I've ever seen someone learn so quickly. This guy is in his early 30's and sooo adicted to R/C...it's fun to watch