Yes, the NexStar is a great trainer. I had the brakes and wing tip spoilers on mine, but after working with the AFS for a few flights, I disconnected it. A short time later, I put my Airtronics RD6000 system in because I had it and wanted to use it. I didn't like the Futaba four channel system that was installed. The Airtronics radio was smoother.

Anyway, I used both the brakes and spoilers for a long time. After I solo'ed, I removed them, one at a time. It made a big difference, sort of like a new airplane (for me, a a new flyer, that is). I later moved up to a Tiger 60 and someone that wanted a trainer bought my Nexstar. It still flys, by the way, and I solo'ed several years ago.