RE: Need opinions on "Best" starter Jet...
DITTO Edgar's reference to the "Rookie" book from Jetpower. I bought 5 or so other books in the search for info and felt they were mostly a waste of $$. But the Rookie book laid out LOTS of good info, answering many of my questions.
My other suggestion is to follow "build threads" here in the Jet forums for, say, the Baby Booomerang and the Rookie II. You'll find the answers to questions you haven't even considered. There are a lot of very smart guys here (and a few dummies) (like me)eagerly sharing critical info in other Jet forum threads too. Read, read, read.
Lastly, latch onto a couple of "jet daddies" from your local clubs. Hang out with 'em and you'll learn how to do this in a safe and fun manner.
Best of luck, Don.