Here's a link to the manual for the hitec eclipse: [link=http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/Eclipse7Manual.pdf]pdf manual[/link]. This should give you a better idea what capabilities the radio has.(EDIT--if you check page 10 and 11, you will see one of the eclipse's nicest features--it can be set to transmit to JR, Airtronics, Futaba, Hitec, and any other FM 72mHz rx by changing the shift, so you can use if to control all your planes, no matter what brand of gear is in them) I can't speak for others, but I personally don't see a need for more than seven channels, unless you plan to build a 1/4 scale B-17 with radio operated turrets, smoke, flaps, and retracts, anything along those lines. I think for most general sport flying and aerobatics, a 6 channel setup is sufficient. It's a personal decision--I don't think there is a "bad' radio out there these days, so you just have to figure out what you want to do with it, how much you want to spend, and find the "best fit" for you.