It’s easy to bolt wing on the Alpha 60 as it comes with all the parts necessary. One work of caution - make sure the nylon wing hold down screws tighten up in the blind nuts. I opted for the bolt-on wing since I won't allow very many other pilots to land my plane so I'm not worried about it dinging a wing tip. I've found one of the blind nuts has mal-formed threads and I can't get the screw tightened properly on that side. I've swapped screws side to side, and tried another set of 1/4-20 bolts with the same result. I'm just going to knock out the blind nut and add another one. If that gives me problems then I’ll dowel it, re-drill and tap it.

I have both the NextStar and Alpha and after flying the Alpha a few times I think's both are very good trainers. I'll give the Alpha the edge in crosswind capability - it'll handle a 15 mph crosswind where the NextStar is taxed in 10 mph, but I'll give the deadstick glide to the NextStar. That think can really stay up deadstick, especially if using dual aileron servos on full span flapperons dropped 1/8". If you factor in the flight sim, the NextStar flight sim is much better.

Price wise both the NextStar RTF and the Alpha 60 RTF cost roughly the same, are close to the same size, but you’re also looking at a .46 vs. a .61 engine for what its worth. I think for the money, I'd lean toward the Alpha 60 unless you plan on spending a lot of time in the flight sim this winter. For $100 less there is the Alpha 40 which is as good as the Alpha 60, just smaller.

Hogflyer