For a first build there is just no option here. It is the 4 Star all the way. I will also add my praise for the SS. It is a very good airplane and a decent 2nd plane. But bieng as you are going to most likely be building your first plane from a kit SIG is the best choice. I have one to build some day. But I mostly build from plans or just design and roll my own so to speak. Anyway the manuals that come with the 4 star are worth thier weight in gold. You will find them excellent and a good deal of info outside the specific kit. There is info on trimming and plane set up and the list goes on and on. The manuals are worth the price of admission.

And I will also add that the quality of SIG kits has always been exemplary. They put good wood and parts in the kits. My only real gripe is the cheap push rods they give you. I use them for throttle rods mostly just cause I have a bunch. They are too flexible for my taste. Try some Sullivan's, they are probably the only pieces I would switch out. Plans are great and they fly fantastic so it's a no brainer here. 4 star is the choice. Oh yea it is a tail dragger, so that will be up his alley.

Mark shuman