is this a good radio for a caliber .30 for a beginner? thanks i am getting the gy401 / 9253 servo for sure, but i thought i could save some money by getting this radio.

i bought a jr 8103, hope this will work and a 401/9253

I wasn't going to say anything bad about Hitec but I think you did the right thing going to JR. I would have chosen Futaba but there's nothing wrong with JR.
basnmtdweller