If you are really in this hobby for the long haul and know that you are hooked I would go ahead and get the 9c. It is definately worth it. You probably never need another radio again. I really don't see the point in getting a cheap radio now and then out growing it in a year. That is what happened to me with my little skysport 6channel. I had that for about three years and really could've used the 8u's features in my second year. 9c is defenately a good investment