ORIGINAL: Connery
Like twistr said, you will get a lot of different opinions. Here's mine
I started out with Airtronics and that's is all I have ever used. It does everything I need so I doubt I'll be changing anytime soon. I'm currently using a RD6000 Super. It's 6 channels, and can use either PPM or PCM receivers. I can't remember if it has an 8 or 10 plane memory.
Like these guys said, you will get many different opinions...
A futaba radio came with my RTF Avistar and thats what I've been using. I bought a futaba 7CAP, 7 channel, 10 model memory, and PCM or FM (PPM) compatible. I was thinking of getting a JR XR3i for my truck, though...