Seems a number of people have a variety of radios. Maybe this brings up the point of model memories so you can standardize on one radio, get to know it well and not have a mix of radios.

When I started 6 years ago I had a Hitec Prism 7X - 3 model memories and some limited funtionality. Worked but was not going to meet my needs as I was actively moving into full house sailplanes. I will share some of the process I went through. It may be helpful.

When I scanned the market, I looked for three things.

Good sailplane mixes
RF module so I could change 72 MHz channels
Lots of model memories - my fleet had already reached 6 models and was growing fast

The Hitec Eclipse 7 looked good, had been around and people knew how to use it so I could get some help. It had the module design and the sailplane mixes, though not as many as I would have liked. But it only had 7 model memories.

The Futaba 9C was $120 more but it offered:

Lots of sailplane mixes
Modular design
14 model memories and a removeable card that would allow me to add more.

I purchased the 9C and it served me will. I later upgraded to the 9C Super.

I am not pushing the 9C or the Super. My point is that you want to look at your key requirements and let those drive your decision.


If I was looking for a new radio today I would still want a LOT of model memories ( I have 26 planes ) and lots of sailplane mixes but it would be a 2.4 GHz radio.

So how do they differ.

Spektrum/JR has the majority of the market and Horizon Hobby is releasing lots of Bind 'n Fly models that work with these systems. Spektrum offers a very broad array of receivers, from 2 gram micro for indoor flight to 9 channel receivers with 3 satelite receivers and lots of features. All the receivers work with all the DSM2 radios ( those after the DX6), so you can mix and match. However there have been reports of people having problems. Most have been pegged to poor installation or poor power set-up, but Spektrum has had a number of recalls.

Futaba is probably the next in market share, though no one really knows. Their systems seem to be solid, but the receiver choices are not as broad as Spektrum and they tend to be more expensive. Not all receivers work with all radios. Futaba has had its share of problem reports and they too have had recalls for a variety of reasons. There seem to be fewer reports of problems but some say that is because there are fewer out there.

Airtronics - Not on the market as long. The brand has a solid history but they are late to the 2.4 party. No idea the installed base. Seem to be a good value if the radios have the features you need. Some test reports suggest that Airtronics 2.4 is not as robust and resistant to interference as Spektrum and Futaba, but that may be a non-issue to most, especially if you don't tend ot attend the mega events where 100s of 2.4 GHz systems are in use.

Hitec - A well known brand but VERY late to the 2.4 market. No on really knows what their systems will do or how they will stand up to some of the challenging tests that others have passed. Still Hitec has a pretty good brand name so a certain amount of faith may be well placed as long as you don't mind buying some of the first radios/receivers off the production line.

Chinese - Not an ethnic comment, but a generalization about some of the lesser known 2.4 brands like Turnigy. Still very new. Most are focused on the low cost buyer and service is limited. Corona just pulled some of their stuff off the market.

Modules - There are a lot of used 72 MHz radios out there from major brands. Many are module based and can take a 2.4 GHz module from Spektrum, XPS, Futaba or others. Now you can switch between 72 and 2.4. Generally you will be limited to 8 channels but that is enough for most. There is an issue of some added latency. This might be an issue for high speed pilots or highly aerobatic competition pilots. This can be a big issue for complex helis.


I went with the well known 72 MHz radio and added a Spektrum module because of its popularity, low cost receivers and wide variety of receiver choices. Lots of people use them so there is plenty published. I know what problems to avoid and how to set them up correctly.


Just waking you down some decision paths. Hope this is helpful.