Do not be confused by Horizon's propaganda. The 10X is a fine radio, but the reason Mr. Somenzini switched brands has absolutely nothing to do with the alledged superiority of JR.

Yes, JR reigns in the jet and scale world; because it is a true ten channel radio, and the 9Z has only eight with an auxillary ninth channel. The long-awaited Futaba twelve channel is a reality, and should be available next year. Pre-production prototypes exist and are being tested.

As to the JR interface being easier to program; well, that is a subjective thing. I flew a JR PCM-10 series radio (10SX II) for many years, and switched to a 9Z last year. The reasons are not really pertinent here (having to do with my opinions of Horizon's marketing strategies more than any real lack on the radio's part).

I can, however, tell you that the 9Z is no more difficult to learn than a 10X. The 9Z has three menu pages of three-letter abbreviations; the 10X has three pages of numeric codes. And the 9Z has many more features built into the software, IMO. You can do a search and see where this has been discussed to death.

Bottom line; if you need the extra channels and don't want to wait for the new Futaba twelve channel radio, then get a 10X. If you are only flying fixed-wing, then the plank version of the 10X will do anything you need it to. Lots of us fly helis, too, and this is one area where the 9Z is far superior, since it has complete heli (and sail plane) software included. The 10X comes in a heli or fixed-wing version.

They are both excellent products. Just don't be fooled by advertising hype; Horizon's marketing guys are VERY creative...

Steve