I personally don't like digital trims... (and that really is a PERSONAL preference)

Its partly because I'm VERY used to using the mechanical trims.

I like having the mechanical trim (rotates a portion of the TX stick's gimbal) for ease of changing trims as the aircraft's speed changes. This mainly applies to the elevator, trimming for holding level flight. I also use the throttle trim lever a lot in setting 85% power high speed cruise (full stick, minimum trim) and locking in full throttle trim when I'm doing touch-n-goes.. to prevent accidentally throttling down too far, killing the engine.

I like having the trim levers visibly offset after the aircraft's first flight... so am reminded of what control surface's clevice(s) need to be adjusted. (Always try for mechanically centered and 0 trim hands-off level flight.)

Remember... when setting up the plane with a computer radio, initial settings should be done MECHANICALLY for correct throws, (computer set at "base" of 100% ATV) and fine tune with the computer. Try to not have adjustable travel volume settings go outside the 90% to 110% range. Its better for the servos, and better for the aircraft's performance.

Its "good engineering practice" to mechanically reset the control linkages for all trims to be neutral at level cruising speed for hands-off flight. (gee... I keep saying that... maybe its important...)

The one big question is.. Do you need all the bells and whistles for your first Tx? For your first few years of flying?

For me, the 6XAS is perfect. It has teh computer bits, and hold 6 models. For me that's plenty. Gear and flaps are all I really need as well.

As FH meant to say, Mech trims are easier on the novice, and when you're fumbling to dial in a bit of trim, you can tell when too much is too much.

My opinion, go with the 6XAS for now. When you get into the 3D stuff, and splurge on the 33% Carden, buy the 8UA then.

It sounds like the LHS guy is trying to convince you that you need these extra bits. Timer - steal you mom's egg timer.. Switches, the 6XAS can reverse them as well. Although they do not have the 3 steps. exponential and channel coupling, the 6XAS has them as well.

Save the extra $$$ and buy yourself a 4-star for when the time comes for a second plane.. and save up for a flight pack.

remeber, both the 6 & 8 channel Tx come with the same RX, the same 4 servos, and teh same battery pack...

I have the 6XAS. It suits my style of flying just fine. You wouldn't do wrong at all with the 6XAS. I've been flying mine for about 3 years now and have no regrets.

I wouldn't see any reason to bet the 8U just yet. Perhaps in the future, but for a basic radio, I don't think that you will get the extra $$ use out of it, except to have bragging rights that you have bells and whistles that you'll never use.

If I had the two radios in front of me, I'd get the 6XAS and put the extra $$ towards another plane. If you are just starting out in this hobby, you'll have plenty of other things to spend your money on - the $$ that you save won't go to waste.

Just my $.02

Bob

Have you checked out servocity.com they sell Hitec. And they do not charge shipping. My club buys all our flight packs from them,$79.95 to the door. That is for: 7 channel supreme reciever/w crystal, switch harness, 4 standard servos, and battery. That deal simply can't be beat. And they also can't be beat on their radios. My brother bought the newest Hitec 7 channel radio from them and loves it. It was his second radio, the first being a Futaba 4 channel. I bought the Futaba 6XAP, no complaints, but it doesn't do what the Hitec will do for the same money.

Go with the Futaba T6XAS, I did and am still getting acquainted with the radio 1 1/2 later .

The Futaba 8U is now discontiued, the Futaba 9CAP is the same price and kicks the 8U's butt, it has millions of features and simple to use.