RE: New to the hobby and need radio help
All current brands are quite good. I'd get what the majority of the members in your club use just so that you have access to lots of experience should you have any problems. While there are other good ones, my personal recommendation is the Hitec Optic 6 as being the best value for your money right now. By getting it with Spectra module, you will be all set to operate any common brand of receiver whether it be positive shift or negative shift on any 72 MHZ channel. Whichever you decide on, first go to the local shop or find a friend with one and try it out for comfort and fit to your hands. All have a slightly different feel depending on size and shape of your hands and some will be more comfortable than others to use.