Go Back  R/C Tech Forums > General Forums > Radio and Electronics
Futaba 4PL User's Chime In... >

Futaba 4PL User's Chime In...

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Futaba 4PL User's Chime In...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-24-2011 | 06:42 AM
  #1  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default Futaba 4PL User's Chime In...

I used mine for one race day. I am unsure if I like it or not yet. I am coming from a long history of futaba radios. I have been using them for years. My last few were the 3pk 2.4ghz & 3pmx 2.4ghz. I would have got the 4pk but money is tight and I don't need all the features it offers now. I think the previous futabas I have owned had a overall better feel to them in my hand. I really can't decide yet & wanted to here what you guys think.... I do like the LCD screen on it but that doesn't make the whole radio a winner yet. Chime In...
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 06:50 AM
  #2  
Tech Elite
iTrader: (385)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,385
From: NW Indiana
Default

I love mine...I bought it the day it was available and haven't looked back yet. Feels very close to the 4PK without the drop down. I haven't had any problems with range or speed in my eyes. Best radio I have owned and that's been quite a few including high end ones.
jonski is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 07:19 AM
  #3  
nexxus's Avatar
Super Moderator
iTrader: (316)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,014
From: Perth, Australia
Default

Had one and it's poorly built, the steering stops broke after normal use and Futaba Australia didn't warranty it (even though it seems Futaba USA will)

Save yourself the headache, 3pks or 4pk are far better, better built, 4pl is feature packed in a cheap package.
nexxus is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 07:37 AM
  #4  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default

I already have the 4pl I used it once , can't decide if I like it or not. The features are great but my 3pk and 3pmx felt allot better quality. For some reason these feel cheaply made , the plastics and such. I love the LCD screen and it feels good in my hand just lighter and cheaper. I like a bit of weight to my radio.

** I'm also in the U.S. So futaba warranty is no issue.
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 07:39 AM
  #5  
Slash'em1's Avatar
Tech Adept
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 226
From: Pecatonica, IL
Default

I bought my 4pl about 2 month ago and I love it. It as made a world of difference in my driving. I can just tell you about my experinces and so far it been a great radio.
Slash'em1 is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 07:45 AM
  #6  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default

What radio did you come from?
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 08:59 AM
  #7  
Slash'em1's Avatar
Tech Adept
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 226
From: Pecatonica, IL
Default

I was using a Flysky GT3. The Flysky is good for bashing but not racing in my opinion. The first race with my Futaba 4Pl I picked up 2 laps and I have made the A main in Stoct STC in the 2 races since I got it.
Slash'em1 is offline  
Old 06-24-2011 | 11:06 AM
  #8  
Tech Master
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
From: La Mirada, CA
Default

I feel like a 4PL fanboy when I reply to these threads.

I own BOTH a 4PL and a 4PKS. I can say the 4PL holds its own quite well as far as feel and speed compared to the 4PKS. I also came from a 3PKS with FASST module and the 4PL feels much more connected than the 3PKS did, IMO. I have not had any durability issues with the 4PL and, for the price, it's hard to beat.

- JV
ittjv is offline  
Old 06-25-2011 | 08:02 AM
  #9  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default

Originally Posted by ittjv
I feel like a 4PL fanboy when I reply to these threads.

I own BOTH a 4PL and a 4PKS. I can say the 4PL holds its own quite well as far as feel and speed compared to the 4PKS. I also came from a 3PKS with FASST module and the 4PL feels much more connected than the 3PKS did, IMO. I have not had any durability issues with the 4PL and, for the price, it's hard to beat.

- JV
Really? Supposedly the Fasst system is faster then the technology used in the 4pl .
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-25-2011 | 07:26 PM
  #10  
jaywax's Avatar
Tech Regular
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 396
From: Austin, TX
Default

I love mine. Has perfect balance and great features. I've had all the high end radios. The 4pl ranks among the best. Radios are more about comfort and feel, not speed and functions. Obviously, you are not comfortable with radio. Sell it while it is practically new and get something you like.
jaywax is offline  
Old 06-25-2011 | 08:40 PM
  #11  
Tech Master
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
From: La Mirada, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Justpassedu
Really? Supposedly the Fasst system is faster then the technology used in the 4pl .
Only if you run the FASST system in C2 mode, which is only available in the 4PK or 4PKS.
ittjv is offline  
Old 06-27-2011 | 10:39 AM
  #12  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default

Originally Posted by jaywax
I love mine. Has perfect balance and great features. I've had all the high end radios. The 4pl ranks among the best. Radios are more about comfort and feel, not speed and functions. Obviously, you are not comfortable with radio. Sell it while it is practically new and get something you like.
Actually your wrong on that partially yes comfort and feel are important but speed and Function plays a huge role aswell. Especially if you race. Who would buy a comfortable radio with no options and race. For racing you need to be able to adjust certain things to suit your driving style and track layout. Major example is EPA .
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-27-2011 | 12:44 PM
  #13  
jaywax's Avatar
Tech Regular
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 396
From: Austin, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Justpassedu
Actually your wrong on that partially yes comfort and feel are important but speed and Function plays a huge role aswell. Especially if you race. Who would buy a comfortable radio with no options and race. For racing you need to be able to adjust certain things to suit your driving style and track layout. Major example is EPA .
Really? When I post up, I'm assuming people are racers. My comparisons are from similiar high end equipment. All the top radios are fast and have great features. After that you buy on comfort or brand loyalty.
jaywax is offline  
Old 06-28-2011 | 10:36 AM
  #14  
Justpassedu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Elite
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,295
From: NewYork NY
Default

Everyone has there own opinion , you'd get mixed opinions on this so it's up in the air....
Justpassedu is offline  
Old 06-28-2011 | 06:23 PM
  #15  
R/C Tech Elite Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,583
Default

I've ordered one, I should receive it next week. Just hope I'll like it
Sylvain is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.