Being a beginner myself I have just learnt on Mode 2, whilst my Instructor was using Mode 1. Most radios that can connect in a Buddy/Instructor configuration do not have to be the same mode. I am in Australia and I do not know of anyone at my club that flies mode 2 and they all tried to talk me into Mode 1. But being a Computer Flight Sim freak I found Mode 2 more comfortable/familiar as the setup is close to a computer setup. So Mode 1/2/3 or 4 just go with what you are familiar with no matter what other ppl around you are using. Happy Flying