Most rental programs allow for part or the entire rental fee to apply towards the purchase price when you eventually buy the flute. When making your decision, first consider the availability of service. If you choose to use a mail-order company, inquire about their repair operation and if any is available locally. Shipping an instrument back to a mail- order company for repair work can be costly and take a great deal of time. Have a qualified flute repair person thoroughly check over any used instrument you may be considering.
Most players prefer the less slippery silver plated models.
Rolled tone hole flutes offer a better pad-seating surface than the straight, faced only, tone holes. The three sections of the flute should fit together snugly, but not overly tight. Spring-wire tension should be even, so all keys have the same balanced feel under the fingers. It is most important to be certain that all pads cover the tone holes properly and without air leaks. Finally, the flute headjoint is critical to the sound of the flute.