Thanks for all the replies. I sorta figured that (with the market forces today) that most radio quality would be comparable and Personal opinion would be the most common denominator in the decision process. That being said, as a newbie, initially I would go with a 6 channel as that would last a while in my piloting carreer and probably handle most aircraft I would be flying. What features would be required and which would be helpful yet not a necessity? Most radios in my club seem to be Hitech and JR.