In this hobby there are certain things you can save a lot of cash on, and others you should NEVER try to save money on by buying the cheap stuff.

Top on the list is the transmitter and receiver.

IMHO: Typically you want figure out what the absolute maximum you are willing to spend on a TX and then tripple it ( heh... ).

A good multi channel ( 7 seven channel up ) transmitter is computer controlled, and can handle many plane configurations at the same time.

That means even if you have several dozen planes, the one transmitter can control them all, and remember the specifics of each one.

A good TX also provides for extended mixing function. Many mid sized and up planes use separate servos for each aileron or elevator, etc.
Without a good TX, you often have to purchase a servo reverser, more expensive reversed servos, or other devices ( you typically spend 60.00 UP per channel when you have to reverse one servo )... The better TX's can do this for you.

That is why I complained about Phoenix's choice to use the DX5e... had they raised the price a bit to cover a much better DX6e, Phoenix would be a KILLER beginner combo.


GraemeEllis mentions getting better hardware instead of a better sim.

I agree only if you don't already have a sim. If not money spent on a good sim is a GOOD investment and tends to save the cost of planes and hardware many times over.