ORIGINAL: Evenstar
??Can comparative reviews be pointed to?? This seems so far like an old topic with no real good conclusion??
There are comparisons all over this forum. I don't think any model magazines have done comparisons. There really isn't an outside "Consumer Review" for models. But there are a lot of consumers reviewing the sims throughout this place.
At this point in time I intend to buy a Spektrum DX7 (I believe) and an ARF LT-40 trainer. I'm looking forward to my first crash. It will be a challenge with the simulator and instruction with a buddy box to see how long I can put this event off. I purposefully am not buying the plane until I've really worked the simulator.
Both are good choices. Truth is, buddy boxing at the field with an instructor is the best way to learn. Sims are excellent support, but not really good for the primary lessons.
??From what little I've read and those I've talked to I have leaned toward the G3.5 which only comes with a Futaba sim controller. But it isn't to late if I really should get the AFPD without a controller??
The G3.5 controller is basically just a simple almost-generic box. I've got one of the cheap Futaba TXs that is the basis of this box and a couple of JRs and when flying the Interlink with the sim, don't notice any real difference. Of course, I handle about every TX made when teaching at the field, so probably have less problem with stick locations than most.
A certain large Internet hobby store has been recommended ("t....h......".com[8D]). It seems they carried everything and would be a one stop place to shop but... It turns out that although they sell the G3.5 and AFPD (don't know about or didn't see the PhoenixRC or FSOne) they sell Futaba only so I cannot get Spektrum gear from them. This was really disappointing to discover as I can no longer consider that they do carry everything and are unbiased in what they carry.
You don't have to whisper. We say TOWER around here all the time.
We also say HORIZON HOBBY and Chief and some other names. An easy way to find email order sites, whenever you are interested in a major item, do a Google and the list of finds will point you to whomever sells the item. And after awhile you'll start seeing the big hitters with most searches. Tower does seem to be the most valuable site for newbies however, because their detailed description of every item provides lessons in model airplane hobbying.
??My last question then, is when I get around to buying the radio gear, and assuming I do want to continue to go with Spektrum that will work with the sim, are there any other good (discount--high volume) Spektrum and Futaba along with airplane / sailplane / glow & electric / trainer Internet stores??
Chief and Horizon are the only two I know of that seem to do a fair amount of business. And Horizon's web site is a chore to use. Chief isn't a lot better. Not very easy to use and often have no real detail.