I tend to agree. If I'd gotten my Spektrum when I first started (it didn't even exist yet of course), I would have been very confused. Things like dual rates, exponential, EPA, mixing, flaps, retracts, auxiliary channels and stuff just muddy the waters when you are still trying to learn the basics of flight controls. A simple, 4-channel radio requires no programming. Just turn it on, flip the reversing switch if a servo goes the wrong way, center the trims and you're set.

I'd even stick with 72MHz for now. sure, 2.4GHz is great, I personally will never fly anything else unless something better comes along. Still most of these radios are fairly advanced and procedures like binding are just one more seemingly overwhelming detail for a beginner.

You can get a 72mHz Futaba complete with 4 decent servos for $119. JR has something similar for the same price. Either would work great for most trainers and sport planes. If you do end up outgrowing it, donate it, sell it at a club swap meet, sell it on eBay or whatever.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...dID=JSP14000**

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEFJ4**&P=0