One is not better than the other. I grew up flying mode 1 and when I got back in that is were I went. Ended up with a radio that could not be field modified and having to fly many other's planes on mode 2, I switched. Many pattern fliers fly mode 1 but then you got Chip Hyde flying stick and mode 2 to championships. I miss mode 1 some times and if I had my preference I would fly mode 1 for sport and mode 2 for scale. I find whatever I start out with that day is what I fly best with that day.