Patxipt,
It took me a while to look up the Multiplex Panda. I don't think it's offered here in the USA. From what I could see from one picture and translate with my schoolboy French, the Panda looks and seems like more of a slope plane than something you'd take thermal flying. It also said "not for beginners", but that's a pretty subjective topic. It makes me want one because it looks like it would be great fun on the slope.

That being said, and you being a self-confessed "complete beginner", let me suggest that you look at the multiplex Easy Glider or Easy Glider electric. I've got an easy glider and I'm very pleased with it. For thermal flying, it flies easily off a hi-start (bungee launch) and will thermal on a gnat fart. On the slope it flies in the lightest lift. It's a very smooth performer and surprisingly aerobatic. It's tough too. Mine recently survived a crash into and 2 nights in a tree with minimal damage.

In the end it's your money, so have a ball with whatever glider you end up with. I hope you catch the sailplane fever. It's a great sickness!

papermache