So I'm trying to convince my friend to branch out and get his own stuff and play more than the just once or twice he's played with me. I know in the long run 2x core sets is the way to go but that's not a "fun" way to start.

What are some suggestions so that he'll enjoy buying new ships so I can start him down the slippery spiral of doom.

I run ( along with 2 friends ) a gaming club .

One member turned up with x wing and gave another member a demo , He then lent him A wings and y wings for the next game and he was hooked ( he now has 2 core sets , 2 a wings , e wing , falcon firespray .

I bought the core set and then was lent more ships , hooked me and in less than a month I now have 2 core , 2 tie bombers , 2 interceptors , imp aces , 2 e,s 2 A,s 3 x,s .

its kinda took off big with more showing interest ( im ordering 4 starter sets for the club on mon ) and wanting to start .

Having players willing to lend out their stuff has really helped in hooking more players ,

Lending ships for tournament play has always worked. I run a monthly tournament and I always bring my fleet to build some easy to play builds. So far evey single event I have set up a player to play who has not yet bought into the game. The crowed we play with is very welcoming to new players and our tournament is generally "fly casual". A quick lesson on the rules aided by the great tutorial videos on FFG website have the player up and running fast. By the end on the event many of the players walk out with a starter kit in hand.

Lending ships for tournament play has always worked. I run a monthly tournament and I always bring my fleet to build some easy to play builds. So far evey single event I have set up a player to play who has not yet bought into the game. The crowed we play with is very welcoming to new players and our tournament is generally "fly casual". A quick lesson on the rules aided by the great tutorial videos on FFG website have the player up and running fast. By the end on the event many of the players walk out with a starter kit in hand.

When I started last year, I didn't buy two core sets for the same reason, it just offered no variety. I bought a core, and one of each non-core ship before I got the TIE fighter, or X-wing. There are advantages, and disadvantages, but if I had to do it over again, I'd have done it the same way.

Hey, I am new as well and I am bying the core set and if I like the game I am gonna upgrade to and Y-Wing and a TIE Advanced and then move from there. Hopefully it's a good move and it's gonna be fun!

Marketing dude. What does buddy like? Give it to him?

Is he in love with the Star Wars movies? Don't put any EU on the table. Get some X-wings, an A-wing and Y-wing to throw against some Ties, Interceptors and an Advanced. Who cares if the Adv doesn't perform well .. he gets to be Darth Vader!!

Is he coming from MTG? Show him your deck and talk about squad builds.

Does he love painting 40K? Challenge him to paint rogue squadron and make sure you play on a sexy board (nice asteroids, etc)

Just remember, what inspires you might not inspire him. Find his weak spot .. and make sure your proton torpedo finds his exhaust port .. not simply impact on the surface.

Myself, I had some SW loving bros come over recently. We watched SW Revisited together and then I pulled out some models for a cheeky little 'impromptu' game. They didn't question the rationale behind me having some lists pre-made for them. We're older guys who have no love for EU. Getting to relive the battles we had just seen using original OT ships. 2 out of 3 got hooked.