I have to mostly agree with moe, a nitro beginner heli is great, but if i were to pick a starter heli, i would pick a Hirobo Evolution 30 to start, much more stable than the raptor, and cheaper than a 50 size, remember the bigger you get the more expensive. and if you havnt really flown heli's, and know this is something you are going to be into for awhile, you might want to spend as little as possible. If you are going to go electric, you can save money and spend about $780 on a shogun plus electronics (including a FMA Co-Pilot!!! as a beginer you dont want to leave that out). Its about $1200 for a nitro, set up plus fuel every time you fly. Electrics dont hold their value, so its going to be one of your fleet, if you buy it first then go to nitro. The nitro heli's are very stable. With a Co-pilot, its downright forgiving. The electric can be flown in wind, just not high wind. anything over 15mph you better know how to handle your heli, nitro or electric, even less when you are a beginner. The nice thing about an electric is, you can practice indoors, in your garage, or living room if you dare (it does have a high head speed so keep it away from furniture). Anyway, this is all up to you, you should decide by what is best for you, your wallet, and the area you have to fly in. Good luck and fly whenever you can.