I think a lot of depends on the help that you can get. I am a self taught flyer. I couldn't find any help. So, I went with electric. I considered it the safest and most easy way. I wouldn't suggest it to everyone. I spent a lot of time/money crashing and building. But I like to build/fix as much as I like to fly, so it wasn't a huge deal to me. Ill probably take some flack on this too, but go with foam or EPP planes (gas or electric). Balsa is nice but one big crash and you are done. One of my favorite electrics the the GWS P51. It kicks butt, I finally had to by a new one. I cracked it in half at least 6 times and have done lots of other damage too. Up until the last flight, it would still do an outside loop. And just to displell some myths, this was on a $18 battery and I could do tricks for about 8 minutes. I guess I am a little defensive of electric since I started that way. But in my opinion, if you find a knowlegable person that is willing to help, then go glow, otherwise I would suggest electric.