I bought the Futaba 6EXA and it came with a decent flight pack for around $159. So basically the radio was around $60. This is a 6 channel, 6 model memory, computer radio. It has all mixing a beginner to intermediate will need. I think if you buy the helicopter one, you could fly choppers later on in life with it as well as planes. I went on to buying a Hitec Eclipse 7 Spectrum and I still use my Futaba on some planes or as a trainer. It drives me crazy when I see some of the old timers flying their snazzy $1000 airplane using a 1980's 4 channel old school radio. Just the luxury of model memory and trims makes it worth it.

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