Hey Man. I was in your delima last year. I have been flying for 3 years but I bought all my airplanes used from J J Freestyle. He and I live in the same city only 12 miles apart. I just finished my very first kit, which was a Sig 4-Star 40. There are very easy to build. If I were you, since you've never built and airplane before, but are wanting to do a kit. I would do any of the Sig 4-Star's. I prefer the 60 size because you can clip the wing bays on each side (just one on each side) and that will make the airplane able to inverted flat spin with an O.S. .91 Four Stroker. It's an AWESOME AIRPLANE! Who care's what your friend has. Get what is high quality and and flys awesome. Your friend isn't a fool. Go with a Sig 4-Star kit.