hey all.... I just started the hobby this year... but have already spent about 1000 dollars haha... my first plane was the hobbico nexstar... never used all the stupid stuff tha came with it (afs, speed brakes (flaps), and took off the airfoils after a few first solos) but I now have 3 more nitro planes and I still LOVE my nexstar.. such an easy flyer and just relaxing... I took the dehidral out of the wing by straightenin the metal rod that connects the wings and it still is such a smooth easy flyer.. I have picked up the hobby VERY fast though and all the older guys at the club are amazed when I come out there fly my planes.. at 17 years old and just starting the hobby this year.. they can't beleive how confident and smooth I am flying.. makes me feel great when I hear the experienced guys applauding for me after a landing (or those damn deadstick landings had about 8 of them now and every time a perfect smooth landing on the runway!)