Tim, this is super helpful. I am leaning towards your recommendation even though it may cost a little bit more with that FrSky XJT combo pack with module and X8R. It looks like it would be friendly enough to learn on yet feature packed enough to grow with. Also I looked at that FT Bloody Wonder, and that thing looks like a blast to fly! Josh was barrel rolling it and tuning on a dime as well as nearly stalling it into the wind. Would be be a good one to learn on? It looks easy enough to build.
Sorry Mike, I don't seem to be getting the email updates like I'm supposed to so missed your post. I had my first flight on the Versa Wing at the weekend; scary but great! Much faster (and more difficult) than playing on the Simulators with similar models. Crashed it 20 feet from take-off on first attempt, but threw it at a higher angle from there and it was great. Twitchy as anything though; need to dial down the throws and up the expo on the next go, but for a first flight ever, thought I did ok; managed to get it up and flying around, managed some sketchy low passes, and did some nice floaty landings. The nose is a bit bashed in now, but I can say I'm hooked.
I think I'll make a Bloody Wonder next. If I can fly the versa wing, I think the Bloody wonder can be flown slower with more control than I had on the versa wing!
I had a quick scan of the posts, saw the plane you bought, but what radio did you go for in the end?
My Versa Wing
Build photos and Video of first flight.