If he's wanting a second plane before he flys the first... He's already hooked.

The Four Star and Smethin' Extra fly somewhat differently form each other. I woldn't say one's a better plane than the other... they are designed for different styles of flying.

The SE is less inherantly stable and quicker to respond than the 4*. For a second plane, the 4* is usually a better choice.

When the 4* starts to get "boring" you can clip the wing down and be about halfway between the stock 4* and the SE in maneuverability. (I never found my 4* boring though...)

My biggest recomendation with the 4* is use the longest, lowest pitch prop practical. I was using an APC 11 X4 and a Magnum .40 XL. I never had problems slowing down to land after switching from the 10X6 to the 11X4, and the plane was able to do continuous inside-outside vertical 8's for as long as I wanted. (or as long as I didn't goof and cause it to veer out...)