The Futaba 6EXAS would be a great starter radio and beyond.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHYK7**&P=
at @ $180

OK guys, we need to start getting up to date with the Futaba receivers. The new ones that are being shipped are the R168DF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLSX4&P=7
It is an 8 channel RX and doesn't care about the Hi/Lo stuff any more. Good for all 72 MHz channels.
No more using the Hi/Lo stuff to push the Brand X stuff IMO.
And at $60 for this new Rx, I think a good deal.