Most people I know started doing serious 3D with a foamy. Nothing beats the proven flight characteristics and the amazingly cheap cost of the traditional 3D foamy. The electronics aren't cheap, as with any plane, but those can be moved from plane to plane as you tear up one airframe and move on to the next.

The amazingly light wing loading and instant recovery power make learning fun and worry free. Electric motors also allow you to fly without the worry of a flameout due to a "cranky" engine...NOTHING beats the torque of an outrunner motor! No 4 stroke or two stroke of any kind has the instant torque of an electric motor, that is a proven fact.

A myriad of 3D foamy designs can be easily built at home and are nearly as easy to assemble as any ARF. Go to the foamy forum here on RCU or check out www.rcgroups.com for great plans, motor, ESC, battery combos.

I personally recommend a IKARUS Shock Flier Yak from http://www.hobby-lobby.com/shockflyer-yak.htm or a similar airframe.

I have a giant scale gasser 3D plane and still LOVE flying my electric foamies. Nothing beats the carefree flight characteristics and quiet, "practice anywhere" as long as you're safe, qualities.