Jedi,
Take your jet to a wide open area to range check it. I did the same as you and ranged checked a model in an industrial park area and could only get 5 paces (15-20 ft) before lockout. I took it to my local flying field and I got 200 paces (600-650 ft) and still had control. I think your surroundings might be causing your problems. I was using a Futaba 9Z at the time with the biggest section of antenna only extended.

patrick