RE: Taking the plunge into the RC world!
I know everyone says spend as much money as you can on your first radio, and I can see their point--you don't want to have to buy something else later on. However, here is my point on that. You can get a 4 channel radio with four servos, receiver, batteries, switch--the whole works for only a few (and I mean a FEW) more dollars than you can get a flight pack that does not contain a radio. Now, lets say you get another plane in a few months, or next year--it's gonna happen. At that point, you will either buy a flight pack (assuming you bought an expensive, six channel radio on your first plane), or you'll probably at this point buy a more expensive, six channel radio with flight pack (assuming you bought the inexpensive, four channel analog radio on your first plane).
Now, lets look at price comparisons, shall we:
Plan A--buy a computer six channel radio now, and "save money" down the road:
First plane radio/flight pack--around 270 dollars for a good six channel computer radio.
Second plane flight pack--around 100 dollars for four servos, rx, battery, and switch
Total--370 dollars.
Plan B--buy a cheap four channel analog radio now:
First plane radio/flight pack--around 120 bucks, or less, depending upon brand.
Second plane--new 6 channel computer radio/flight pack--270 dollars.
total--390 dollars.
So, really you're only saving about 20-30 bucks maximum by "buying what you can the first time). And, who knows if you'll even stay in the hobby. This way, if you don't stay in, you don't have a lot of money tied up in it.
Just my .02