Either type of engine is fine. But the bushing engine is quite a bit easier to clean after a crash or off field landing, which most beginners do a lot of. As far as a bushing engine not being as good as the ball bearing engine - well what kind of engine did you drive to the flying field? I can't think of a single automobile engine that has anything besides bushings on the crankshaft, cam shaft, or rods.

With the .40/45 LA fly with either a 10x5 or 11x5 prop.