BCG22,

What it boils down to is what makes you happy, I started with a ARF and kit built my second plane. I found out that I like the building part the best, but I do not regret being able to start flying quickly. If you decide to build I am sure all of the fine people on this board will provide you with great, experienced, advice, as well as the folks at your field. If you go with the ARF no one will fault you, after all the reason we spend our money in this sport is to have fun.

On a funny note my ARF had its first crash before all of the parts were out of the box. I was like a kid in the candy store when it arrived. I started pulling all of the parts out of the box and one of the main landing gear goes right through the side of the fuse. Called my instructor in horror and all he said was to calm down and get out some clear packing tape. It still flies with the scar today. Good luck and have fun