I feel the airtronics m11x is the absolute best out there but will set you back 369.00. It is a radio to grow into. A good middle of the road that is very race worthy is the airtronics mx-3x its 179.00 and is backward compatible with the fhss-2 59.00 recievers. I'll tell you though if your just starting out and on a budget I think you would be happy with the flysky/eurgle gt-3 I was telling you about. I just ordered 3 more recievers for mine last night.
And yes, airtronics only works with airtronics, futaba with futabe etc....