Need help selecting a radio

[Jetjock]

I recently decided to venture back into RC helicopters after a short 35 year break. last helo I built was a Kavan Jet Ranger in 1973 that put 11 stitches in my left leg and cut the top half off of my dog Brandy's ear in the learning to fly process. Dog wasn't happy about my aeronautical ability at the time.
I am currently building a TRex 500 and have been trying to figure out what would be the best radio and receiver combination to purchase. I have searched the web for comparative side by side reviews but have come up with nothing. I have looked at the Futaba (which I have used in the past) and the Specktrum radios, but could use some advice from people that have used the systems. Financially I have no constraints, and I would prefer to buy a radio that will give me the ability to grow in the future without having to buy another radio. I do want a 2.4 mhz system and in the future will be also using the radio with fixed wing aircraft. Any help from the members here would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Bob

[DavidH]

Just my opinion. But take a good look at the new Futaba 10C, It was just released for sale a couple of weeks ago. It is a lot of radio for the money and has a lot of features. You can probably find the 10C at some of the online dealers in the low $500 to mid 500 range.
The 10C is 2.4 ghz, comes with a 14 channel rx that is 2048 resolution. All I have seen is great reports from people that have gotten the 10C over the last few days.

David

[Jetjock]

I have narrowed the search down now with a little help from many people. Since you have an affiliation with Futaba I will value your advice. If one were able to buy any radio, (all 2.4GHz systems) 10C, 12FG, 12Z or 14MZ, which one will be best suited for both heli and fixed wing. Right now I am leaning toward the 10C. My main goal is to buy a system that will last for many years instead of upgrading every few years. Any advice will be appreciated

[DavidH]

I have a 12Z. It is a nice radio. I could have gotten a 14MZ, but the 12Z has the same flight features. On the 14MZ I was not interested in being able to add pictures or music to the radio. Plus I don't care for touch screens on the transmitter. The 12FG was not available when I got the 12Z also. After looking at the 10C, it has a lot of features for the price the radio is selling . Yes it will do helis, planes, sailplanes. All those features are in the software. 10C for $550 or so is a heck of a price for a radio with all the capabilites it has. If I was in the market for a Futaba brand radio, it would definitely be the one I would consider heavily. It is just a good functionable radio, no it has no bling factor. But bling factor won't fly the model. <G>

David

[Jetjock]

Thanks again David. I agree with you on the 10C. A lot of favorable reports from new owners that now have the unit in their posession and have been flying with it.