Montague almost verbatim posted what I tell new pilots at my local field when hey ask me the same question. But I'd like to add a little bit more for your consideration.

My philosophy on radios is similar to my philosophy on engines. Buy the best you can afford and you won't be disappointed. Radios for most represent long term investments in your hobby. Planes come and go, but your engines and radio stick around. In the big picture, it really doesn't matter what brand you select, but features (or lack of features) may eventually limit your fleet size and type of planes. IMO, you don't need a top of the line radio, a good mid to high end radio will work well as a second radio. My suggestion, being that I am most familiar with Futaba, is to look at the 9CAP. But there are many other good radios to look at in the upper mid range from JR (such as the 9X) and Multiplex (Evo8). If these are more than what you want to spend, start looking and the next level down, such as a Hitec Eclipse7.