Bart,
Flyboy is right in that the 9C is a great value. It is the most recent release in the 8-9 channel market and has some nice features. Plus it is priced well and you can get some good deals overseas. Just remember that your warranty will be with Futaba of Japan and not Great Planes here in the US.

But, I have one thing against the 9C. It is a very uncomfortable radio to hold if you fly with index finger and thumb on the gimbals. You will find that there is VERY limited room for the other fingers to be placed between switches or elsewhere. IMHO it is the most uncomfortable radio on the market currently. If you want a real comfortable radio with the same functionality then go for the JR 8103. Or, wait till the awesome JR 9X comes out!