there are at least 4 modes probably more now if you count the 3 chanel, and park flier ones.

IMHO there is no diferance between mode1,2,etc etc, once you learn to fly you just get used to what you know, theres a guy at out club that tought himself to fly and he pulls the elevator stick to go down which is backwards to everything i know.

if your learning to fly get a set that is the same as your local club so some one can teach you.

in Aus mode 1 is by far the most common but at a club about 100kms up the road from me they all fly mode 2 because the instructors fly mode 2