I've trained on the Nexstar, the Tower Trainer, the Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer, a SPAD Debonair, and the Hanger 9 P-51 PTS.

IMHO, the best trainer of the bunch was the SPAD Debonair! It flys as well as any of the other trainers, but it will take a tremendous amount of punishment, it can be built very economically and quickly, and gives you many more options for more aerobatic flight once you gain some experience.

After that, the LT-40 is an excellent trainer. Gentle flyer, and if you build the kit, you can make it strong. Maybe not as aerobatic as the next group when your more experienced.

Next in line is the Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer and the Tower Hobbies Trainier. These are almost clones. Slightly smaller than the LT-40. The Evolution engine on the RTF version is OK, but I personally prefer the ARF version with a TT Pro 46. Or you can spend a little more and put the OS 46 AX on it, but the performance improvement is marginal for the extra cost. The Alpha doesn't have as high a lift wing as the Nexstar, and slightly less dihedral, making basic aerobatics a little easier. My only complaint is the wire landing gear.

The Nexstar is an adequate trainer, and has the advantage of the 60 day guarantee (If you're flying at an AMA field with an AMA instructor and you crash, they replace the plane). I never use the AFS, so why pay for it. I also strip off the air brakes and wing droops. That's what an instructor is for. I think the original design was intended to allow people to learn to fly without an instructor. Not a smart approach. As for flight characteristics, this is the least aerobatic of the trainers, and tends to fly sluggishly. The rounded fuselage makes for a more scale appearance, but it also complicates repairs when you do crash.

The least recommended trainer is the P-51 PTS. Having said that, the P-51 is an excellent second plane. Just read the threads on how to strengthen the landing gear and fuselage. Otherwise, you have very short days at the field.

Good Luck.

Brad