ARF Vs RTF/PNP really boils down to experience (pay me now or pay me later thing). Many of the RTF/PNP looks like they are better priced than an ARF would come out at. The differnce is where do you intend to be in a year or so. As you gain experience, your wants for brand specific items gets a little stronger. For instance Iv'e been flying on and off since 85. Started to compete in the last few years in lower classes of competition. I recently bought an ARF and spent about 1/2 the cost of the ARF replacing the hardware that came with it ($200+). Not because it was bad, but it wasn't to my liking or taste. I did like the plane though...[)]

If I was getting into the hobby today, I would go RTF/PNP and look around to figure out what I like in a Radio, Engine, and other stuff. The norm for the long term equipment selection is to go with what people are flying locally which varies from region to region.

Rereading your question....ARF/RTF/PNP Vs Kit. Kind of three catagories actually...An ARF is between a Kit and a RTF/PNP. For me building a kit is a bit more costly than the others. However, the pride and hardwork you put into building is priceless when you start flying it. If it should meet demise early, the pain of the loss is a bit more to shoulder. I always like building kits, but they are time consuming and I'm a perfectionist. This also makes it tough picking out ARF's

Good Luck...

LLD