As your skill level improves a fixed pitch machine will fall behind your demands, fixed pitch is a good way to introduce yourself to helicopters, They are more resiliant to bumps and scrapes and take less maintainance and understanding to keep in the air. PKH is right, with package deals you tend to get lesser quality electronics which are just as important as setting up the heli physically when it comes to building a reliable and predictable rig. Basically in a nutshell.. the cheaper the heli, . the " cheaper the heli " If you aspire to impress your friends with agressive hair cutting maneuvers . Then head first into a CP rig, but if your not in a hurry.. get a FP rig. everyones learning curve is different.