The NexSTAR 'gadgets' work. We have a student that has the NexSTAR. He said he was not going to learn with the 'gadgets' on his plane. Two flights later he put them on and is now a happy fellow.

The AFS system, well, I started with it but disconnected it after a flight or two. The problem with it is that it really does not like to be used in direct sunlight. If it's cloudy, it works ok, but I learned without it. THAT is a gadget, Chad. The rest of the things, the wing tip spoilers and speed brakes do work and do perform a useful function for anyone that has never flown before. And, once solo'ed, they can come off if the pilot wishes. Mine came off the week after I solo'ed and made a noticeable difference.