I've owned both the ARF and the kit.

The ARF was great except for the covering. The stripes just refused to stay on but I guess that really wasn't a major issue. I also had the firewall come loose in it but I don't really fault the ARF itself. It was most likely caused by all the violent snap rolls and flat spins I put it through.

The kit was just as good and it goes together so quick, it is practically an ARF.