Hi again TideFlyer. I also see you on my post Avistar w/.40 LA ?? Everyone has been thoughtful with information. I have kind of boiled my choices down to a compromise between economics and performance. I think Misses Wifey Santa-Poo (lol ) will only deliver one r/c package under our tree, therefore, I must make it count. After Listening to all of you guys and considering that I have been flying my Superstar EP 3 channel both with an instructor (2 times) with no buddy system, and quite a few times on my own, that I may be able to fly the Avistar RTF with the buddy system and an instructor. I am getting better w/3 channel Superstar, But I hand launch from a soccer field. This is not to good for learning take-offs. I have had five crashes (all fixable). Outside of some firewall and wing/ nose balsa work and my third E-motor, (they are $10.00 each) it is still flying. An instructor trimmed it for me and now it flys good. The Avistar RTF sure comes under my radar with the $279.00 price tag and (I think) a $25.00 gift certificate from Tower. It is hard to argue the price and the set-up. I just hope the landings with the Avistar are not TOO hot. Take care all. Mike