Get the "Hobbico Avistar 40 II MonoKote ARF" instead of the MK II or AWARF or whatever they call it. It is covered in Monokote instead of a generic covering. It cost $10.00 more, but it's worth it. I just saw where tower is selling it for $99.99 american.

JR is not a bad radio. In fact a lot of top-tier pilots use JR equipment. Like the previous poster said there is not a bad radio on the market. My first radio was a Hitec Flash 5X. I wanted a computer radio with multiple model memory that wouldn't break the bank. I was very happy with it, but eventually wanted more than 5 channels and stepped up to a Futaba 9CAP. But being in your position the 5X or the 421EX is a far better deal than one of the cheap 4 channel noncomputer radios like the skysport. I've never used the 421EX but I've been told it is easier to program than the 5X. But that is just someone's opinion.

One other option is that you could buy a Futaba 6XAS 6-Channel radio for a little over $200.00. That would put you close to your $400 price range and give you even more power.

Keep in ming that you will need some field equipment also which will also add to the expense. Glow charger ($10-$15), Fuel Pump ($10-$15), chicken stick (free-$5), Fuel ($15-$20 gallon), Glow Plug ($4-$6), and props ($2-$3 each, 10x6 or 11x5)