ORIGINAL: Druss

align does not really make too many starter helis. If you can afford it the Trex 450 is a good starter but will cost in the $600-$700 range after you add all the electronics and radio. I would personally not recommend Hirobo to newbies, they are a higher cost to start and also to maintain (parts cost more), they make great helis though.

If you can afford up to $700-$800 I'd personally suggest something like a Century Swift 16 or Gaui Hurricane 550. They are larger helis so they will be more stable, unfortunately, not many local shops will carry parts for them.

Thunder Tiger makes an E325 which is similar to the Trex 450 for a lower kit cost and they fly just as well.

The first thing you should do is decide whether you want to shop locally or online, locally may limit your choices yet will provide a ready source of parts (just make sure they are actually stocked). See how friendly the local staff are, I've had issues with staff at one of my local shops and will not shop there, even if I have to pay more elsewhere.

So your choices are:

1. co-axial (would recommend esky lama v3 for this)
2. fp (would again recommend the esky honey bee fp)
3. 450 size (would recommend trex 450 or tt e325)
4. 500-550 size (would recommend swift 16 or hurricane 550, trex also makes a 500)

remember that for the 450 and larger you need to get all the electronics (4 servos, gyro, motor/esc (unless it's included) and radio).