ORIGINAL: CGRetired
Your choice of radios is fine. There are several on the market that are outstanding options. For instance, the Spektrum DX7 is a fabulous 7 channel radio. The Airtronics RDS8000 is an outstanding 8 channel radio. Both are 2.4 GHz radio systems. The DX7 comes with servos, and is about $350. the RDS8000 does not come with servos and goes for about $230.
CGr.
dx7 with rx and servos 309 at most any lhs!! that is the very best radio for you my man!
if you are interested in a large wingspan and something that will increase your skill level here is a good plane for the money:
http://texasrcplanes.com/j3cub1.html
or if you are looking for something a little more sporty try this low wing plane with a symmetrical airfoil.
http://texasrcplanes.com/explorerl1.html
or a cheap sport plane that would be a bigger jump from a basic trainer, but for a great price, not as large as you might want, but a good step up i think.
http://texasrcplanes.com/supersporter40.html
just some options for you, i would definitely recommend the dx-7 though, no way around that!