Hi all,

I am a RC returnee, I flew for a few years when I was younger and am now returning to this wonderful hobby. I am writing this out of confusion and self frustration (both self inflicted). I have looked throughout the forums and picked up great information with regards to starting out (or in my case restarting) but I find choosing just about anything difficult unless I can rate it against something else and read reviews. I have created a list of all the things I will need - from the model, engine and radio to field box and equipment to workshop tools and equipment. I can understand some people may say it better to build up what you need as you need it but I am a sucker for preparation and getting everything I need first time round and hopefully scoring some discount in the process. Second to this I like to buy quality goods which will last rather than cheaper item which need replaced more frequently, I also don't like buying something which I know I will need to replace or upgrade (or even no longer use). In certain instances this is ok e.g. the trainer plane, I know it will serve its purpose and then be cast to the back to make way for new models but for the likes of engines and radio gear they must have use later on.
Before picking a club I created a mini points system for location, weather, size, support, training and clubhouse to help me figure out which was one was best on paper, overly anal? maybe but when your time is limited I think you need to make the absolute best of it and best for it. I digress, what I am here for is some help, some guidance from you experienced flyers, builders and enthusiasts. My main gripes is noting the difference between, lets says trainers, how do you decide what is best? I know most trainers are much the same but there are minor difference for example the seagull boomerang states its a sports trainer with a semi symmetrical wing, now compare that to maybe the Thunder Tiger Trainer MKIII or well actually I can't, how do you actually compare them? I see people recommending models but not really describing why they are good? They say there good then they say are all the much the same, I can't quite get my head around that!! Maybe they are just all round good models, I'm not sure as there never seems to be any supporting information. Another more potent example is radio equipment and the one which I am having most issues choosing (well that's a lie, I have only got to item 2 of my list of 50 or so items!). There are so many radios with so many features. I want to buy a good radio which will last me if I decide to build a Lancaster with all the trimmings. Is 9 channel enough or should it be more or even less? (I know this is a bit of how long is a piece of string but there much be a common understanding of this) I have been, on more than one occasion been told buy a DX6i as they're great and serve my needs, but I reply I don't want one as I want to future proof my radio for just about any eventuality. And that's only channels, without then trying to figure out about the different FAST or FHSS systems and all the additional features plus all the new radio manufacturers (and why is my favourite JR so expensive compared to Spektrum??). As I look at my list I see others like starter, what is a good starter and where do I find that kind of information out? I think the answer may simply be write a thread for each item on your list but figure there must be others out there who think like I and have done this themselves!

Hope you can help me out on my path to RC enlightenment!

Rob