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Old 03-04-2012, 05:15 AM
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Default Best Radio System for Under $200?

I need To upgrade my TX system, I have been using the flysky gt3b and its time to upgrade.

I have been looking at Spektrum DX3S, a new one from Amain is 230. But, whats the best bang for my buck? Does Futaba or Airtronics have anything better?

Thanks.
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Old 03-04-2012, 05:40 AM
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Futaba 3PM-X has been awesome for me. I've had it for a while now and still love it. Tried the Spektrum but it had issues so I went to this and have been happy ever since.
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Old 03-04-2012, 06:04 AM
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Best system under $200 is the airtronics mx-3x, hands down. Same FHSS-3 speed as the $500 m-11x, feels excellent on the hand, adjustable trigger, programmable, etc...I had the DX3S and it feels like a cheap toy in comparison. They could charge $300 for the mx-3x and it would still be a fantastic system for the price.
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Old 03-04-2012, 06:04 AM
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I've got a DX3S and switched to a KO as I felt the both the throttle and wheel felt way too light.

Throttle can be adjusted by putting in a stiffer spring, but it's a bit of a pain to find a suitable spring.

Other than that, it's actually pretty good. I like how you bind a RX to a specific profile rather than on this KO, where you just set up profiles and it doesn't matter what RX it is bound to.
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:00 AM
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Man theres a RADIO AND ELECTRONICS section you should really post this there. Get a Airtronics MT-4. Its like $249 minus a coupon code and your at probably $220. Well worth it over Spektrum garbage....
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by ndi_guy
Futaba 3PM-X has been awesome for me. I've had it for a while now and still love it. Tried the Spektrum but it had issues so I went to this and have been happy ever since.
+1

3PM-X

I've been using Futaba for 20 years, though never dropped the coin on one of their premium radios. For a mid-range radio, this is my favorite.

I also just can't get used to the flimsy feel of the Spektrums....yes, lighter can be better for hour long mains...but I much prefer the solid feel of the Futaba.
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by trickedout
Man theres a RADIO AND ELECTRONICS section you should really post this there. Get a Airtronics MT-4. Its like $249 minus a coupon code and your at probably $220. Well worth it over Spektrum garbage....
I've got a Spektrum dx3s (only ever had Spektrum stuff), never had a problem with it. I wouldn't describe it as 'garbage' but I am interested in these Airtronics suggestions--what's the advantage or what do folks like about them (in the under 200 range per the op)?
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Old 03-04-2012, 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Stanford55
I've got a Spektrum dx3s (only ever had Spektrum stuff), never had a problem with it. I wouldn't describe it as 'garbage' but I am interested in these Airtronics suggestions--what's the advantage or what do folks like about them (in the under 200 range per the op)?
Well i have a M11 with spektrum module and I hate it. Too cheap right now to switch but Theres always range issues and I have to run a Glitch Buster in ALL my electric trucks. I've used a Dx3R for a bit and it just felt cheap. I guess everyone has there own opinions but around here theres hardly anyone you could GIVE a spektrum to.
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Old 03-04-2012, 09:47 AM
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Futaba 4pl is a good choice for someone on a budget. Can be had for close to $200 after Tower coupon. Nice thing is extra receivers are $40 - $50 each. I believe the Airtronics MT-4 also has some cheaper receivers (FHSS-2 variety).
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Old 03-04-2012, 10:05 AM
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Flysky GT3B. Flash on the rebuilt firmware, and it's an awesome radio. RX's are cheap, too. You can pick them up for around $50.
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by kcobra
Futaba 4pl is a good choice for someone on a budget. Can be had for close to $200 after Tower coupon. Nice thing is extra receivers are $40 - $50 each. I believe the Airtronics MT-4 also has some cheaper receivers (FHSS-2 variety).
, Goto your LHS and see & feel what 1 feels beeter in your hands. That helped me decide on my 4PL
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:13 AM
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Futaba 4pl if you spend 300 at tower you can use a 50 off coupon but you can get recievers for it for 40 otherwise the 3pmx recievers will cost you 70... I will soon be getting rid of my 3pmx and going after the 4pl, for the screen and cheaper recievers are worth it!!!
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:47 AM
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another vote for futaba. i had a DX3R awhile back and bought a 4pk when they first came out.....2.5 years and 230+ hours of use later, its been flawless.
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:50 AM
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Oh man the best radio for under $200 has to be the Airtronics MX3-X this is not a bias view i have had a Speckum radio before and module for my futaba 3pk. The Mx3-x is a fast radio its noticeble and it has all the features that are useble unlike the $200+ radios. That have the things you dont really need for most of us that are club racers. The MX3-X has expo, servo speed, adjustble throttle trigger and the other basics. Its a light radio because you only use 4 AA batterys but not to light and it does not feel like a toy radio at all ! The reciever included is really nice and small it is expensive if you want to buy a 2nd one but the quality is good .

The only cons it doesnt have a adjustble steering wheel spring to adjust the feel but the wheel is not to loose at all its inbetween. And it does come with a small wheel but all you need to do is get a JR radio wheel fits perfect and big !
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Old 03-04-2012, 12:02 PM
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I have had my dx3r for 2 years with no issues. I like it because its really light and over the course of a 45 minute main it makes a diff.
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