Hi everyone.

I am just starting to get al my parts together to build my first car for racing at the local hobby shop. I was initially just going to use the extra dumbo rc radio I had knocking about the garage, but not sure if that would be detrimental to racing seeing as it doesn’t have a ton of features.

So if I could get some recommendations I would appreciate it, are the spectrum radios any good for racing or is it better to stick futaba or Sanwa. If I were to buy a new radio probably lookin around 200ish range.

Personally, i like Futaba. Easy user interface, available in most hobby shops and a service facility in the US (if applicable to you). The 4PM is a very good mid $ radio with plenty of room to grow features wise.

Spektrum...i have a DX5R i got in a trade that is just not very good. I really dislike the user interface, it takes a long time to do the same things as the Futaba.

I’ve raced casually for the pass 3 years. Then went all in back in July. And until recently I pretty much too controllers as basically similar. But have found there’s definitely more difference then I thought. I’ve had inconsistencies from Spektrum( older Dx3s models). Some receivers worked fine. Some had dead spots that just couldn’t get solved. 2 years ago bought a Futaba 4PL. It’s been a fustrating experience at best. Confusing as it seems to have different terminology then others.

4 months back I bought a basic Sanwa Mx6 just to get my off road stuff on to a single controller. Seemed good at first. But as I improved, I could tell something wasn’t right. So I’m now looking to move again

If you can, trying something before buying. I know it not always possible.

There is no such thing as a radio for racing and a radio for bashers. It is all about what you need or prefer.

Yes, a transmitter with a display an several menu items like EPA, brake and subtrim are handy. Things like expo, ABS and any other stuf that you may think will help to control a car seems nice but at the end you want to have an as much lineair feeling with the car so you will not use many of those settings.

Although in the past we have always used simple low speed transmitters you will notice the high speed framerates of several current transmitters from brands like KO, Sanwa and Futaba. Also de Frysky Noble seems to work on higher speeds.

that’s why I am trying to get an idea what people are using or would recommend. I know with the dumbo I can’t really do EPA adjustment and I really do not want to kill the new expensive servo I just bought and having features like a lap timer would be really nice for practicing.

NB 4 is my Radio of choice now.. you gotta get a radio in your hands and on a rc see what its like . then think about price.

For around the 200USD mark I would highly recommend the Futaba 4PM. Has high-speed response rate and all the features you will ever need on an OK-ish user interface. For instance at Amain; Clicky!

Also if you decide to not follow-through with the racing it will be relatively easy to sell.

Pick up a used Sanwa MT44 and be done with it.

Is there going to be a big difference between the MT44 and MT-S?

Another vote for the NB4 from me. I have and continue to use Futaba FASST and FHSS radios. I was going to shell out the cash for a 7PXR but purchased the Noble to experiment. I really enjoy the feel, price, and feedback. Receivers are reasonable, and the quality is far nicer than my old DX5R and other Spektrum radios. The interface makes sense.

Negatives are the lack of US support, needing to be careful with the radio (don't drop this one), and the touch screen sensitivity is a bit tempermental compared to a cell phone. It is well worth $180 with two ultra compact receivers.

One of the more popular radios in my area lately is the HITEC Lynx 4S, excellent system:
https://www.rccaraction.com/hitec-lynx-4s-review/

Thank you everyone for the help. Ended up buying a sanwa mt-s. The servo I had bought for the car is compatible with ssr so that made the choice a little easier.