The Hitec and Airtronics 2.4Ghz radio platforms are FHSS, like the Futaba FASST platform, and are equally flexible and reliable. I have several sport planes and trainers I've been flying on Airtronics 2.4Ghz radios for almost three full seasons now; they have 4.8V 600Mah NiCd packs for receiver batteries, and I've never had a glitch, brownout, or lockout of any kind on the Airtronics 2.4Ghz FHSS system.
The original poster specifically asked about the Optic 6 2.4Ghz radio system. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Airtronics SD-6G to someone looking for a full-featured, affordable sport radio system. The SD-6G also offers impressive features and affordable receivers.
I didn't even notice there was a sport and non sport. I'll look and see what the differences are, but do you know hand?
Thanks
The Optic Sport features 10 model memory but no model naming, your planes will be MDL1, MDL2, etc. and you will have to remember which is which. The Optic 6 has eight model memory but has model naming, so you can name your models to remember which is which.
The RF deck on the Optic 6 Sport is fixed, and the Optic 6 Sport isn't compatible with Hitec's Spectrum 72Mhz channel synthesizer. The RF Deck on the Optic 6 is removable, so Optic 6 radios can use 2.4Ghz or 72Mhz RF modules.
There are some minor feature differences as well. Hitec used to have a chart that detailed these differences between the two transmitters, found in .PDF format here: