dbarnes6

I'm looking for anew radio. The Airtronics radios deffinatly have the right price, as does the Hitec Aurora 9, butI'm relativley new to the hobby and don't want to get in over my head. I really want a radio that I can grow with as I am looking at getting into 3D flying. I'm just looking for input on these radios and what some of you would recommend.

Thanks



Danny

BuschBarber

My Feedback: (2)

Either one of the radios you mentioned are fine, as are the Spektrum DX8 and the Futaba 8FG.

ArchNemesis

Hey Danny,

You're really hard pressed to go wrong with the SD10. It's an extremely complete radio. I use it for flying Pattern mainly, but also all my Heli's, 2 IMAC airplanes, a gaggle of 3D Foamies, and a few gliders.

For 3D specifically, triple rates and expos, stick switches, 5 flight modes and all 3 position switches come in handy. Also, having 9pt curves on all of the custom mixes comes in handy as you have a full curve above and below center.

If you have any specific questions on the SD10, send me a PM and I'll be happy to answer.

sthill

I own two RDS8000’s and 7 RXes and have flown them since 2008. They were excellent deals at the time and have been totally solid glitch free radios. That being said, I personally wouldn’t purchase an RDS8000 right now. The 8-10 channel radio market has just gotten so much better since 2008 and you shouldn’t have to live with the RDS8000’s limitations. My biggest 3D frustrations with the RDS8000 are: no triple rates, no expo on the rudder and no throttle curve (especially handy for gas engines) in Airplane mode. I realize you can program around some of these limitations but if you are buying a new radio why not just invest in one that supports both. Also, no ability to expand / backup / transfer model configurations or update firmware to add new features is a bit frustrating.

If I had to buy another radio right now I would either buy the SD-10G or the Futaba 8FG Super. The SD-10G is a solid full featured radio at a good price from hobby people. If you join the Tower Super saver club you can pick up the Futaba 8FG with 2 RXes for a really good price after coupon. I don’t think you could go wrong with either radio.

Personally, I have been waiting for the successor to the RDS8000 and/or SD-10G before upgrading my radio system. If Airtronics doesn’t release new radios by early-mid 2012 I will probably switch brands. Airtronics has been great but, IMHO, both the RDS8000 and even the SD-10G are starting to show their age.

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

SD10G is awesome, it's a lot of radio at a great price, very capable.

Had the RDS-8000, found it too limited and sold it. Most other 8ch radios will be more than enough for 95% of the people flying model aircraft.

aydin3

My Feedback: (1)

I have both. The SD10 is a far better radio. Iuyse the RDS with an RD8000 for training now...perfect for that and for most sport flying. The SD10 is, however, a FAR better radio and at the price offered now is a no-brainer! Easy to program, nice to hold and use (it is a little thicker than some other radios but nothting that cannot be gotten used to in the first few moments!) and the service departmant are always there to help with programming and any other problems. HAd a couple of switches replaced when I dropped the Tx, fast efficient and very fairly priced!

Dave L

blvdbuzzard

I also have (2) RDS8000 great radios. If I was to look at replacing them, I would get the SD10 without a thought.

Buzz.

P.S. Still flying (2) RD6000 fm radios!

Planeclothes

My Feedback: (1)

I have an RDS8000 which has been an excellent radio, except for the LCD that turns black on hot sunny days. I agree with what was mentioned above, by today's standards, the RDS8000 is so limited. For that reason I recently bought an SD 10, which made a lot of sense since I already owned several Airtronics receivers. This is definitely a radio you can grow with, it has all the features you can think of and it is extremely easy to program. I also got a good deal from Tower, just $365 shipped for the 7 ch rx version.

skyraider71

I own both RDS8000 and Futaba 8FG. The RDS is a solid performer, but I quickly ran into programming limitations
especially with multi-servo wings. I was never happy with the stick feel.
My 8FG is the best investmet I've ever made in the hobby. It feels good in my hands, and has the solid gimbal
that I crave. Its' programming is a little different than my older Futaba gear, but I got used to it quickly. It has
all the programming features I will ever need.

Pippin

I have both, the SD10 and SD6 (as buddy box). Great radios! Bug free, trouble free, no software updates needed. It's how I like it.

ArchNemesis

Keep in mind when reviewing the RDS8000 compared to the SD series (5, 6 or 10ch) that the RDS8000 is really based on a much older radio, the RD8000 and RD6000.  There are significant upgrades in ALL of the SD series radios by comparison.  I'm hopeful to see an SD8 radio.  Unfortunately I'm not in the know about that.