What radio would be best for someone who is just starting out, but wants something that will last and be sufficient for more advanced models. I have flown planes and was also wondering if the throttle is racheted on heli radios...If not does anyone know of a radio where you could switch this on and off, so that you could use the radio for planes and helis...

Thanks,
Robert Bialkowski

A good radio that you won't out grow would be the JR 8103 or the Futaba 9C. The heli version doesn't have the racheting on the throttle.

Get used to using a heli radio with the heli non racheted throttle for planes and you will never go back to racheted. I like the smooth throttle on all of my radios. You can't beat the 9C radio. If you can afford it, get it, you won't out grow it. It is a great radio. I ordered one within minutes of picking the first one up. It feels great in your hands. I sold my other 6 radios and ordered a bunch of recievers and a campac for the 9C. It rocks.