DslcDust - both planes you mentioned are great flyers, and being foam are easily repaired, as Greg mentioned. There is one thing that might swing your choice.....are you going to fly at a club or just Park Fly? If you want to fly at a club (for whatever reason) check with the Club what frequencies are allowed, some don't accept H/Zone or P/Zone planes, and if thats the case the DSM2 technology of the Apprentice, would suit you better. With tuition from a club you can progress with the Apprentice for some time and have loads of flying fun.
But there is absolutely nothing wrong with the SCub....lots of people have learnt and progressed with the plane, especially for Park Flying.

Thats my 2 penneth (we don't use cents!!)...good flying....