The bottom line about 2.4 is between the JR and Futaba you should establish a personal needs assessment.
List exactly what it is you want to accomplish with respect to multiple channel mixes. Can each be programmed
to a specific distance against a start stop sequence individually of the others.

Because most modelers are not experienced with multiple channel mixes and the amount of throw each can be
programmed with and the behavior of each individual servo across time... acquiring answers to those types of
questions can be frustrating.

This is no different than door sequencing of nose and mains...bombays and bomb releases, flaps, slats, split
elevators, etc.

Sitting down and making a needs assessment will provide you with a list of things to which a yes or no can be
declared.

The best answer for a scale modeler is typically which system will permit the largest number of channels to be
combined, yet controlled individually. All 2.4 systems permit you to use multiple receivers, don't let anyone
tell you otherwise.

As for Flite-Metal...we conducted an evaluation of the effect Flite-Metal had on 2.4 systems manufactured by
JR, Futaba, and Xtreme. We were satisfied with the results and in some results amazed us... Aside from the
typical installation where customers don't expose their antenna(s) to the exterior of the airframe, we tell our
customers to follow their radio manufacturer's guidelines. Gee that sounded like a contradiction didn't it...

The evaluation of Flite-Metal with the three primary 2.4 systems was with the antennas as prescribed by the
manufacturer, sealed up without any exterior exposure, and sitting open outside of the airframe. Results of
our evaluation were virtually identical.

So, you're back to asking what it is you want to achieve with a new radio for your scale applications. Do the
needs assessment for a scale B-36 with a bomb bay, bomb drop, retracts with mechanical linked doors, flaps,
elevator, rudder and a "pair" of motor control channels wired in an inboard and outboard pair.

In all cases you will need to calculate the capacity of the battery required to operate the number of servos
you utilize...this has never changed from narrow band...fact is and problem is few people ever really worried
about it so they crashed their 2.4 because the digital servos and the 2.4 receivers consumed more power than
they were used to with narrow band.

I personally believe the more channels which can be freely programmed to mix and link with the others is an
investment in one's scale hobby. However, that is IMHO. Most scale aircraft would benefit from at least a 10
channel transmitter. Because some digital servos can be programmed to perform a sequence of movements
over time...it is possible to create a flight plan which can involve many more servo movements than there are
channels on any radio.

True computer radios or transceivers as they are referred to within a bi-direction RC system...should permit a
modeler to create a series of "If & Then" incidents which can involve multiple channels and multiple sets of
individaul groups or nests of servos to achieve mechanical function.

Whatever 2.4 system you purchase will be a snap shot in the ongoing evolution of RC. Waiting until you find a
perfect match to your personal needs will turn into a moving target waiting game... Do a needs assessment to
create a list of exactly what it is you need in a four engine (individual throttle settings), ail, ele, rud, flap, slat,
bomb bay, bomb drop, and don't forget the kitchen sink...

Futaba is the designer and manufacturer of the products it sells. Xtreme is the designer of the systems it sells.
JR sells repackaged Spektrum Systems. The Multiplex EVO transmitter is available in 9 and 12 channel versions.
Manufacturers offer modules which plug into various transmitters to convert them to 2.4.

After a needs assessment, it begins. Not before...IMHO. There is no interoperability so needs assessment is the
delineator of brand.