Few people are not inhibited by cost when it comes to training. Consequently if one can find a heli that is inexpensive to buy, flies very well (can take one from initial hover training to aerobatic 3D practice), is easy to build, is proven to be reliable (has had few issues in its design that would result in extra maintenance or problem solving), is inexpensive to repair and always has a source of parts that are easily attainable (not short on crucial parts for any length of time), etc. then it will prove to be a great entry level heli.

The 30 size seems to be the class that has the least "financial pucker" factor. So finding one in this class that can answer "yes" to all the criteria above is the one to look for. This is why I recomment the Century Hawk Sport at only $160.00. (check out Kirk Voclain's build it review here). IMHO it would be a solid contender at even another $100.00, but at this price it leaves you with a lot more money to spend on the radio equipment, motor or gyro.

As for the reliability and dependability issues of the various models, you just have to check out the problems discussed by the owners of these models on various brand/model specific forums as you can find here and on sites such as www.runryder.com.

The more time an individual can spend flying insetad of repairing broken clutches or solving flutter problems etc. the faster he / she will progress.

The less money one has at risk, the more one will be encouraged to push himself / herself to move forwardin their practice regime.

Check it out.....you will be impressed.