I have been wanting to get into gas powered airplanes for a while. So just a couple of hours ago I was at Larry's Hobbies in Houston, TX. I was asking questions of what I should get that is ready to fly. The man helping me said I should get either the Alpha at about $310 or the Extra Easy 2 at about $370. He said that the Extra Easy 2 is more because the controler has 5 channels and the Alpha only has 4 channels. Which should i get????

To be fair, I don't know either of these well, but I doubt the 5th channel on the Extra Easy is worth the $60.

This is a trainer you're looking for, and if the fifth channel is for flaps, you don't need them. If the fifth channel is just sitting there, save your money.

It IS worth buying say, a six channel computer radio, like the Futaba 6XAS. But if the Alpha comes with the 4 channel for $310, that would be my recommendation.

Find a club, and an instructor, good luck, and have a blast!!
Dennis-

Thats what i was thinking but I have no clue of what most of theis stuff is. So thanx for the reply.

the alpha is a great trainer..i dont mean to be mean but look around and you may be able to save some $$.. i got my alpha for $299. but if larry's is the only place in town then got for it....also check out horizon hobby's web site and check price there...i still fly my alpha, oh yeah its the only plane i have not crashed....as DBCHERRY said go to the field and make sure the instructor can buddy box with the JR radio...

Extra Easy is $380 and the Alpha is $290 on the internet...

Both airplanes have the same Evolution power system, which is a good beginner setup. It really does allow you to concentrate on flying, not a finicky engine.

The difference is the radio, as mentioned above. It's not JUST a 5 channel radio though...It is a computer radio.

The JR XF421EX radio that it comes with is a $180 radio... This radio could easily fly your airplanes for the next 5 years or more without needing an upgrade. The standard 4 channel will probable leave you wanting more pretty quick...

Most guys end up buying a 6 channel computer radio shortly after their second airplane. This gives you a pretty good 5 channel to start with.

Besides the radio difference, the Extra Easy is a bigger and slower airplane. I think it might be a little better trainer... The Alpha does fly good though.

Take a trip out to the local field and see what the instructors think...