My friends and I recently purchased a very cheap plane from walmart, just to mess around with. We had fun, and are looking to purchase something that is not just a cheap toy. Preferably RTF and nothing with a street price of more than $175. We don't have much experience and so we need something that is relatively easy to fly and sturdy (but not a toy, like we purchased). Any suggestions welcomed.

For that kind of money, your gonna need to head over to the electric forums and check out the parkflyer section...search for either GWS or Parkzone....Rog

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 1-19-07) [/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

Here are a few suggestions for you to look at:

Parkzone Slo-V RTF
Hobbyzone Super Cub RTF
Hobbico Flyzone Ventura/Mini Ventura RTF
Hobbico Sky Pilot RTF
Phase 3 Swoop RTF
Multiplex Easy Star RTF

Good luck and good shopping!

IMO i would save my money and get a glow fuel plane. I dont have an electric plane but they have there limitiations on what they can do.(plus they dont sound like realy planes and dont have that great glow fuel smell!!!!!!!!)

This is just my opinion

Your local hobby shop might have some ideas on what to do!

Good luck

rc-plane

The best advice I can give is find a club nearby and talk to the members. They might have an old trainer that they could sell you for cheap money. Be advised that a new 4 channel radio might cost up to 120 for the low end unit but used you might do better, someone might have outgrown there trainer or someone might be discouraged and sell out there equipment

HobbyZone Super Cub
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100

Can't go wrong. This is a great trainer plane. Fun to fly and hard to break!