RE: transmitters
The short answer is: no. Nobody can tell you which will be best for you. Soon to follow will be several pages of " this is the best, not this one is te best, and this one is even better, but so and so won't tell you...etc" The Futaba 6EXA is a good deal for a first TX, but most any will do the job. Go to your LHS and play with them in person and get a feel for what you like, and pick out the one that feels best.
-Steve