No the 9C is definitely not to much and it was a very popular radio many have started with it. Problem is and anyone please correct me If I am wrong but its been around a long time and I think it has been discontinued. I would not recommend buying any radio that is discontinued.

Almost all the new folks at our field usually go with Hitec or Futaba and I usually fly with those using Hitec and another does so with the Futaba users. Although my preferance is Hitec I must say most of the Futaba users here start with the 7c which is a very, very capable unit in terms of features. I believe the 9C predates the 7C by some time and the 7C Is more capable in some ways.

John