I currently have a Spektrum DX2e that I bought to get me into the rc surface hobby. I used to fly planes and used a DX8 for several years and loved the Spektrum brand.

With this surface radio, I did experience some glitch-ness and put in a glitch-buster and the issues went away. Maybe it wasn't the rx/tx fault, but that was one strike against it in my opinion. This radio also lacks expo and and easy endpoint adjustments. Strike two... lol.


I have been looking at the Futaba 4pv as my next radio. The 3pv would probably do what I need it to do, but all the reviews I've read say the 4 has a few more features and has a better feel to it. This will mainly be used for running an SCT, a buggy, and maybe a basher at some point as well. Who knows what else... But as with my planes, I do prefer to have just one radio. I don't really care about the telemetry... I doubt I'll use it.

Is the 4pv a good choice, or is there something else I should be looking at/considering as well? Price is a factor, and don't really want to invest more than I have to for a decent radio. Nor do I want to have to spend a huge amount on rx's for each model either.

Thanks.

The only other remote I'd consider over the Futaba 4pv would be the Sanwa Mt-44 or the Sanwa MT-s. But I believe in the long run you'd spend much more on Sanwa receivers. So the Futaba would be the way to go. And if you're at all serious about staying in the hobby, definitely splurge for the 4pv and leave the 3pv for entry level.

I'm kinda in the same situation. It's about time for me to upgrade my radio as well. I'm currently using the Futaba T3PRKA. I was looking at either the 4PX or the 7PX due out later this fall. Good think about both of those radios is that they will work with all the receivers that I'm currently using.

I kinda long for the good old days of AM then FM radios. At least you could mix and match Txs and Rxs. Don't miss the frequency boards though.

If price is a factor, such as cost for Rx's, then I would take a look at both Graupner options (X-8N or X-8E):
REVIEW: Graupner X-8N HoTT (4ch) 2.4Ghz Radio System - Radios & Servos @ URC Forums

I've been running the X-8N for about a year and a half and they offer a 2 year warranty which is the best in the industry. For the price/features, I think they hit the mark for the quality you get. I have used Graupner's customer service and received top notch service. I have used other high end systems in the past such as Radiopost and KO Propo, but they left me disappointed. Radiopost customer service is almost non existent and while KO Propo customer service is top notch, I ran into too many intermittent problems with the system for me to continue maintaining long term.

While I agree that Futaba is an excellent choice, I feel they are a pinch on the pricey side which has attracted me to Graupner and I have no regrets with that decision, especially because they have a US based service/repair center. There are few other options with that luxury... here are some other systems to consider as well in your search:
Which surface radio system is the best? <Updated 24-DEC-2014> - Radios & Servos @ URC Forums

I've heard mixed reviews for HiTec where some Rx's tend to overheat in nitro's running 45min+ mains

Airtronics recently went out of business and they used to be the US distributor for Sanwa radios... it's not clear if anyone has re-opened a service/repair center in the US for Sanwa since Airtronics shut down.

So for me, the only two brands I would personally consider are Futaba or Graupner... when my 2 year warranty expires this coming December, I plan to upgrade to the X-8E which several other folks are running in my area and I think the extra features are worth the slightly higher price

KO Propo has recently released a new system, so it's possible they may have worked out the kinks? If so, then I would highly recommend the Dasmikro Rx's which are KO Propo compatible and will offer a reasonable price for replacement Rx's.

Serpent America/Desoto Racing are the current U.S. distributors and support providers for Sanwa products. Just in case anyone considering a Sanwa radio is reading. So service is still available.

With a little digging I found this form here which is really a nice comfort and would would encourage me to consider Sanwa systems in the future:
http://www.serpentamerica.com/shop/return_form.pdf

I've had both brands. Spektrum down BNF for planes which I like. For cars I like the $ of the rxs over futaba