you don't need a 9c. the only difference is one more channel, and you can assign different channels to the sticks. it is designed for battle bots and jets. unless you are competing in the toc, an 8u will have more than enough to take you where you want to go, and more. becaue they don't make the 8u anymore, you can get one used for about $150. it is a great deal. because there are no moving parts, it will work just as well used as it will new. usually i don't buy used because i never know what has happened to it. but, if you are just getting a radio, gyro, reciever, etc, get it used. they don't degrade over time, and they are half the pricethe only things that hte 9c has that the 8u doesn't are the things mentioned above, triple rates, one extra channel and that gimmicky look