RE: Hitec or Futaba. Best brand?
If you want flexibility go with Multplex. My old Hitec flash 5 was great until I flew in the rain. My Futaba 8u super just could not do what I wanted. Now I don't have to worry.
I have had few problems with either and Hitec has great customer service. I use about 45 Hitec servos in six different planes.
Carl