I never owned an ARF. I only scratch-built one plane, but woulda kept on doing that if my eyes hadn't given up. When you build kits, and you keep your eyes open, there's lots and lots of options! Tag sales, flea markets, etc. I built whatever was a 'good deal' at the time, after I had learned to fly. While learning, I did a lot of head-scratching before settling on my Balsa USA Stik. Old guys like 'em - they're a really old design - but young guys have never seen one.

You don't get emotionally attached to one of these the way you would a fancier plane, and I'll tell you what - I'd fly when no one else would. When you can fly no matter what the weather, you can get in lots more flight time and, obviously, learn to fly faster.....

The 'good deals'? *grin* I bought the biggest roll of generic something-kote you've ever seen from the LHS for $5 - whoever bought it first didn't like it. So - I had bright orange planes for years! A Dynaflite (? I think) Skeeter $12. A 1/2A Hobby Shack SST $14. Baby Birdy (trade). Goldberg Electra ($25 closeout - I flew it with the original kit motor, no matter what the 'lectric guys promote). Ancient Sig Kadet - field box, plane, KB .40 and radio for $50. I had to replace the radio, it was illegal.

Keep your eyes open and build whatever comes your way.