I started with a Tamjet F-16 and had decent success with the plane. It's a great airplane and Tam provides really good customer service. I sold it after about 50 flights and got a CARF Flash. I was flying 3D/IMAC 40%ers at the time, so the Flash felt more familiar. It flies like a pattern plane and does awesome high alpha knife edge passes. Overall, I had more FUN with the Flash because it suited my flying style more than a scale jet.
In hindsight, I am sure my F-16 would not have been as abused if I had gone with the Elan first.