Im going the EPP route to learn low level 3D on. My machines of choice for abuse are the GP Yak55 and U-Can-Do-3D... Both are made from EPP and should take hits nicely. check out the videos on their site- the durability is pretty impressive. Being EPP they wont be "precision" flying airplanes, but to learn the basic moves without breaking a bunch of planes, i think these will be a good investment.