my minimalist budget set aside for getting into R/C is slow to grow, so I am holding out for a 9caps. I did alot of surfing to compare different radios and had settled on a few possibilities...
1. Hitec optic 6
2. futaba 7cap
3. futaba 9cap
4. futaba 9caps < 3 timers, 12 model memory... most bang for the buck

I know that once I am in it, I will stay in it... just like I did 20+ yrs ago with an old beat up guitar that ended up as a small recording "studio" in my basement (and the primary reason for a slim R/C budget...)

The way I see it, if I get proficient to the point that I outgrow a 9caps, then surely I can find a sponsor to upgrade me ;-)