Russ hit on what I think is the the problem with guys taking off with Nexstars (and other tricycle LG models), which is a crooked nosewheel, and also overly sensitive steering. As club instructor I have maidened 3 or 4 of these planes, and a couple of years ago I actually bought one myself while on a 2-week business trip because I found out there was an AMA club not far from my hotel. Remove the flaps and disable the annoying AFS) and it is a fine trainer, and remove the wing naca pieces and it is a fairly capable aerobat. How many trainers will fly a decent KE, slow roll, inverted flight, or even a 1.5 negative snap roll to inverted into an outside loop?? This plane will do it.

In general, however, I vastly prefer taildraggers such as the Phoenix Extra because the tail will lift quickly and no matter how badly cockeyed the tailwheel might be, it doesn't matter because it's going where that big rudder tells it. This is why - with very moderate control surface throws and generous expo - the Extra might work out to be a workable second model, although it is not nearly as rugged and forgiving as a Sig 4-star, WM or GP supersport, or a spacewalker, or a H9 Pulse. Those are excellent second planes.