Tom, I dont know what the JR,s are costing, but for my training I bought a BASIC HITEC. It cost 125.00 and it worked great for the Kadet. I never had any problems with it. Shortly there after, futaba came out with there 9cap, and my lovely wife bought it for me. It is an unbeileivable radio!!! If I WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS THIS GOOD, I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS ONE TO BEGIN WITH. Dont let all of the buttons and knobs scare you. It is avery user friendly radio. Everyone has there preferences with equiptment, so seek the advice from your senior club members. they are afantastic source of information. Best of Luck to YOU and Your's Daryl