Another opinion from someone who is just starting out. I started with a 6XAS and have two models programmed into it. I had left my neck strap connected to it one day and the strap caught a knob on my field box and I dropped it. Broke one of the switches off and the right stick is a little sticky around the center. Very annoying. Anyhow, I range checked it and flew with it. I also ordered the 9C, so now the 6XAS can go to Radio South for maintainance and the 6XAS will be my backup.

As far as RCKen's comment about programming, I don't know about the new bread of low end computer radios, but my 6XAS is far more complicated to program than my 9C, at least for what we need to program when starting out. If the new entry level computer radios are anything like the 6XAS, then you will have an easier time with the 9C IMHO.

I guess I just think that when you are starting out, the last thing you want is down time while you build a new plane or wait for a repair to come in the mail. I am all about the redundancy for my addiction Yeah, yeah, that is a good excuse to buy more stuff, hehehe.

My $.02,
Patrick

BTW, I never leave my strap connected to the TX anymore.