when i started i got a cocker, and it stills runs as smooth as when i bought it last september time. i'll tell you now mate that its gonna cost a bomb no matter what you get, its not the initial cost its the permanent cost of training and tournys. and if youve got 550 to spend you could probably get a whole set up of the classifieds. maybe even a shocker or nerve set up over an ion. egos are also selling cheap second hand and they are well worth the money. but as the other chap said make sure you get pads! biggest mistake i made was playing without pads man i had some friction burns off my trousers after my 1st tourny!