"Most" trainers fly about the same; very stable and controllable. I've seen a bunch of different ones at the field and have talked to the instructors about them, and they say they say to buy the one that looks best to you or the one that's available for the best price.

If you search the beginner and ARF forums of RCU for Nexstar, most coment that the attachments and other gizmos end up in the trash or disabled so the extra price might be money wasted.

The 'mode' debate will rage forever. There is no mode that's better than another. Use the mode that works best for you because that's what matters. The fact that I use mode 3 has zero impact on the other club members' lives and the fact that they use mode 2 has almost zero impact on mine. If you do fly on a mode different than everyone else it will be harder to get help when you need it.

The 'different mode' impact to me is financial. I had to buy two transmitters, one mode 3 the other mode 2, so I can work with the club instructors.