Like the title says, I'm in the market for a new radio and I'm looking for the pros and con's of both. I've been using Futabas my whole life so I'm used to and trust their systems but I've had the antenna break off on my last two 3pm's so I really like the integrated one on the Spektrum. Also, I really like the looks of the Spektrum and it seems easy to convert to lefty for my girlfriend when she wants to give it a try. I use Savox servos and Tekin esc's. I know the Futaba will work but has there been issues with the Spektrum?

First of all the Futaba 4PLS doesn't convert to lefty. The Futaba 4PKS-R does.

The Spektrum DX4R is the equivalent of the Futaba 4PKS-R in the Futaba line. The Spektrum DX4S is in a similar position as the 4PLS.

As far as I know I haven't had any issues with any Spektrums or Futabas. I use the DX3R for racing and the 4PL for rock crawling. The new DX4R would be good for both.

I'm in the same market as well. My LHS today was trying to convince me towards the DX4R since the 4PLS he says is more of a 'sport' radio and not a race radio. The Spectrum also comes with two receivers; a fast one and a sport version.

However, I'm looking into Airtronics as well.

I found out the DX4R Pro does not like 1.2 volt nimh batteries. I am now using NIZN 1.6 volt batteries and no issues. Standard batteries are fine as well. This is a very high quality radio, and really needs a lipo battery pack option for it. You can find some real deals on the DX4S radio.