When I'm teaching, I have the student try both ways and let them decide which is best for them. Myself, I use both but mostly just the thumb because when I started teaching we didn't use buddy boxes as they do now ( telling my age ). By using the thumb method I could stuff the transmitter into my side, fly with just the right stick, and show a student something with my left hand . Worked good for me and I've just stuck with it. Everyone to their own !! ENJOY !!! RED