IMO, The Hobbystar is a better deal for the money. You get a 6 channel radio, a 60 size engine and ball bearing servos. You don't get the "Success Flight Guarantee" with that plane but if the RC club has any decent instructors then you should be able to learn to fly and pass your wings with the plane still intact in 1 piece. The extra gizmos on the Nexstar really don't speed up the learning process imo. The Hobbystar also has a semi. sym. wing which means that the plane will be a bit more agile, a bit faster, handle wind better, and do basic aerobatics easier. This may add a few week ends more training time to get your wings but then you will have a plane that can be used as your second plane for a while. The Nexstar will be easier to learn on but if you catch on really quick then the plane will soon become boring for you to fly. I can't say which is better for you with out seeing you try your thumbs at flying. [8D]