I fly Mode 2, but I wish I had learned Mode 1 CAUSE it is hard to hand-launch with mode 2 as you have no control over the elevator if launching the model with the right hand! If you're left handed, than Mode 2 is the way to go.

On the other hand, mode 2 is the standard for US and Canada... so it's a toss up[:@]

FYI if you learn one way, it's VERY hard to switch to other modes