ORIGINAL: bigedmustafa
As one matures in this hobby, an appreciation for a plane that flies great will supercede the appreciation for a plane that looks cool. Treat yourself to a Hangar 9 Ultra Stik and you'll not have to worry about being bedazzled by the Pulse XT. Planes that fly as well as the Four Star, the Goldberg Tiger, and the Ultra Stik don't have to look pretty.
Exactly right!! Never go by looks, unless it looks like it will be difficult to see in the air.
I would go with the Four Star 40 or (preferably) 60. It has low wing loading, is stable, and durable. Of course, it flies great and is quite capable of moderate aerobatics. It has simple construction, so repairs are a snap. My only other suggestion would be to go with a kit. It's an EASY first build, and best of all it will make repairing much less intimidating.
Have Fun!!
Nate