There are good copies of the $149 Four Star for $99 or even $84. You can leave the name brand behind and get really good flying from these, called low wing trainers. Dolphin ARF and Sky Raider Mach ll both fly as well as the Four Star 40. In fact, the Dolphin has a better floating characteristic that can get you to land with half the airspeed of the Four Star, and it will take a better beating, from my experience.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLGM8&P=ML

http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopexd.asp?id=1958

You can always read the user ratings here on RCU that have written from direct personal experience what they thought of their plane.
You get building tips, and learn the weaknesses of each plane that they encountered before you plunk down your money and go it alone.