I have flown both and the Ultimate would be better for outdoors, and is easier to fly for a first 3d. In fact it flies great. The Tensor is great too but flies completely different from other 3d planes. If you get the Tensor get good with rudder turns because that's the only way it will turn.
Personally I'd start 3d with the Tribute or a fanfold plane, or a shock flyer. They are a little tougher and easier to fix after a crash.
Unless you think you'd need the toughness of EPP, which it doesn't sound like you would, my first choice would the a 3DX or Mini 3DX from foamyfactory.com. You have to come up with the foam and cut them out yourself but that's very easy. They are cheap and fly just great, really great.
Anyway, the E-Flite brushless motor would be great, a Castle Creations esc would be great. Do like Tall Paul said for the cutoff. 1500 batteries would be okay for all these planes, a little heavy for the small ones, but for the Ultimate would be fine. Get the 1080 motor for 3 cell packs. 10-4.7 prop.
If you are looking for max power consider the 4100 geared motor.