I think it's very situational. For some people, a 4-channel is perfect. For others something a bit more advanced is. If you don't need the features for a season or two, the most economical thing to do is wait until you need them. You'll get more radio for your money then, and you can almost always recoup the cost of a 4-channel (keep the flight pack, sell the transmitter). For most people, I think either a 4-channel basic radio or a 6-channel computer radio make the most sense when they start out. The 4-channel costs less, which for some is important. Not a whole lot of modellers really need any features beyond a 6-channel computer radio for their first several seasons, by which point better/cheaper high-end radios will be out.