RE: Radio requirement
Derek is pretty accurate in this regard. Most of the mid-end radios are all good, it just depends on what appeals to you personally. The Futaba 7C/9C, Airtronics RD6000/8000, Optic 6/ Eclipse 7, etc. They're all good radios. They all do more or less the same things, it just comes down to what feels good in your hands, and what has the specific features you're looking for.