I wanted to piggy back the post about the new Airtonics SD-10G, and get your thoughts and input about using the new Hitec Aurora 9ch 2.4 for competition pattern pilots. I have read some reveiws all good so far, love the touch screen window for veiwing and making inputs to the computer, and the cost ($$$).

I have played a little with a pre-release version of this radio.  It has features in line with the top end of the JR/Futaba radios.  The programming is surely up to the task of the others, and would take care of even the most demanding pattern competitors.  The case felt good in my hands, and the gimbals were nice and smooth, but it was using the stock spring tensions, I like them much stiffer.  In the end, whether this radio turns out to be a bargain will depend on quality issues like dependability, and radio link quality, that won't be known until it has been in the hands of many users over a good period of time.  I really liked the programming features, and hope everything else lives up to expectations.

You guys must be reading my mind. I been thinking the same thing. I really like the way this radio feels, but I also would need heavier springs. Come spring I'll be shopping for a new radio for pattern flying next season. This radio might be the one. Yes we will have to wait a while and see how it works out in the next 4 or 5 months.

Any updates on this? Has anyone used this radio in their pattern machine?