answer is simple... if you know how to fly already... use that mode. If you live in Europe, learn mode 1. If you live in United States, learn mode 2. It is much easier to learn from a logistics point of view if you fly the same mode as everyone in your circle of flying friends. I learned mode 1, because my father learned mode 1 in the late 60's. Mode one is an artifact of the old "Toggle Switch" REED sets. There was a directional toggle switch located about where we now have the right stick, This switch worked side ways for left and right. There was also a Up-Down toggle switch about where we now have the left stick for elevator. See how Digital Proportional early systems came from this? I like mode 1 better, I have some reasons why I stick with it, but until recently acquiring a mode 1 radio in the US required a special order. Early 90's that turned around with the programmable radios. Airtronics actually had first "Consumer switchable mode Tx's... of the "BIG" 3 manufacturers that is... I don't know if the multiplex systems had this capability or not... Early simple systems, you just switched the spring and throttle rachet to other side, but if there was mixing, or dual rates, that would often not be useable. Check out the KRAFT and CITIZENSHIP in the picture!!! Oh yeah... I think Curtis Youngblood flies SINGLE STICK!!!!