First I am a SPADDER. But I will tell you what planes I will have and MY PRO'S and CONS.

My first plane was a Goldberg Eaglet 50 It was a .25 size trainer

FIRST OFF DON'T BUY A .25 TRAINER. They are small and actually a little more agile than a 40 size in my oppinion. They get smaller faster and with a 50" wingspan they just not the choice.
LT40 will be a great trainer.

I did not crash this plane with an instructor. I did keep him on his toes a little until I learned. I flew and crashed this plane many times. most crashes were mild and looked alot worse than they really were. That is a big thing. once a little knowledge is had about repairing you'll be surprised at how bad an easy fix can look.

But sometimes it isn't so easy.

My second plane was a fourstar 40 and it was ablast but after crashing it I ended up deciding to stick with simple oval flight paths since I got tired of repairing.

Then I quit flying. I was so bored at watching a plane fly in circles. tried a few loops and ended up losing alt during a roll and wing first into the ground. I was sick of it! I quit!

Before I sold my gear I was searching for some plans and came across spadtothebone website. Once there (yes it is an EASY BUILT SITE) but that made is simple to read and navagate. THen I got to looking and decide to try it.

after aquiring about 10 times as much supplies as I needed I started. First plane start to finish 12 hours. That's using the awesome STEP BY STEP PLANS on that site. The first one I tried balsa for a motor mount. ok I'm dumb. Then I used ply wood and a mount. It flew I built it a little heavy but it flew and was fun. Also may I add I thaught of my self as a newbie still and I was fearless at trying it in 25 MPH winds. Using the wind I would almost float in one spot then I would fly backwards using the wind. Was fun and really upped my spirits.

Now I'm a site owner dedicated to spads and love the hobby. I am not afraid to try new stuff. and if a situation arises there is no doubt in my head on try to save it and risk injury or ditch it in the dirt.

It's all up to you. The spad plans are step by step. easy to fllow and mainly pics to help. Actually try both. BEfore you buy a plane go ahead and get the radio of your choice and take it to the club field with you to show people you are serious. Then ask if someone would show you the differences in both types of planes. Or they may even let you fly them.