I've been reading Dave Patrick's book, "Aerobatics for everyone". He alludes to the fact that with exponential you may not need dual rates at all.

I just bought my first computer radio, so I'm curious how the pilots here do it? Do you use expo and dual rates, or just expo?

I really like the idea of not using dual rates. Being the forgetful SOB that I am, I can see myself being on low rates when I should be on high, or visa versa very often.

I don't like using expo only myself. I use a combination of expo and rates to do what I need in the box. Too much expo and you wind up with an 'all or nothing' setup where the stick doesn't do much around neutral but then you overcontrol once you get past the 'knee' in the expo curve.

It is all down to the individual pilot and how he/she likes the airplane to feel. Go ask 20 different pilots the same question and you will get 20 different answers. I would suggest you try a number of different set ups and just see which works the best for you

I use a Futabe 9C and assign all my dual rates/expo to a single 3 position switch, thereby creating a flight mode setup. The mode for precision has low rates and less expo ( I find it easier to fly precisely this way) and the 3D mode has full travel with a good bit of expo. So fo me, a combination of expo and dual rates works best. As mentioned above, each pilot will have different needs and methods of accomplishing the desired effect.
Dave

Remember that Dave's book was written before Quique invented 3D. His whole talk about set-up is obsolete...........like keeping your control throws below 30 degrees!?!