In the fast few weeks ive had it, ive slammed it into a building at full speed, i dont know how many times into the ground, the worst damage i have received so far is the gearbox poping open, but i fixed that by using some CyA glue. my only suggestion for you is that if you do buy one, buy an extra package of props, each prop only lasts a few flights, because of the lack of control, landings are a bit hairy, and usually end up being a light crash. If you want to use this airplane for an entrance into r/c flying, its not for you, Hobbyzone makes the firebird series, and for the money its much more worth it. however, if your just looking for a little fun, this airplane is great, but i would wait, hobbypeople has sales almost weekly, and if you time it right, you can pick one up for 20 bucks, plus props for another 4 bucks. If you really want to spend your money wisely, you wont get one of these quite yet. Go out and buy a computer simulator, and learn to fly the faster, biger, and quicker airplanes, then stepping into this little airplane will be a sinch. As a real-life pilot, i know that pilots usually only get one chance, and normally dont take the second one, r/c is ususally the same way, plan on crashing your first airplane many times, and i mean many times, however a simulator costs about 150$ once, less than an airplane, and can save you upwards of 5grand, in learning planes.