RE: Opinions
Miloh,
If your $300.00 budget is for just the transmitter, and you have negative shift receivers, then I would recommend the Futaba 9C. If are already flying JR, or positive shift receivers, then the JR 8103 is a good choice.
As you get into the larger planes the number of channels is not the sole reason to get a better radio. Larger models often times need more, and more elaborate, mixes to get their best performance. An example of this is my 29% Edge. It need a little down elevator mixed with the tnrottle for doing staight down lines. This down mix is not fun when landing as the plane really drops when you pull the throttle down. It also flies better with a higher than desirable for landing idle. With my Futaba 8U Super I can easily put these mixes on one switch that set things up properly for landing or for flying.