i just bought the spektrum dx4rpro and notice a significant decrease in range compared to my futaba 4pl. does anyone have the same issue?

I only drive my RC cars near my house or in my basement so I do not have any issues with my Spektrum radio, but that is the consensus about Futaba's having great transmitter/receiver range over other brands.

Define significant loss in range?? You went from 1000 ft to 10 ft, or 1000 ft to 900.... But yes, Futaba's are probably the best in range of any company. Have been for a long long time.

Never have an issue when driving on VRC Pro either...

If you are trying to use NiMH batteries you are wasting your time. Spektrum radios hate low voltage and that is all you will ever get from NiMH.

Use disposables or NiZN rechargeable, it will solve a ton of problems. A glance at eBay I see charger with 4 NiZN bundle for like $12, or for $15 I would suggest one charger and two sets of batteries to allow that swap while charging.

I use Panasonic (was Sanyo) Eneloops in my Spektrum radios. They are NiMH, but for me, they last a long time before needing a charge.

Self discharge rate is very low too which is always a plus.

Futaba does have a better range.

That is not the issue, they still only start out about 5 volts with each cell running 1.2 volts. The NiZN will do much better in the radio and not have the issue.

How far away are you from the model when you notice the issue?

Is it glitching or just losing connection?

How is the receivers antenna positioned in the car?

Let's answer those basic questions before we jump to conclusions.