RC RADIO Shootout for 2019 - Spektrum Vs Futuba Vs Frsky Vs HiTec
These are some of the best high end RC Radio Transmitters for Planes, Helicopters and Drones you can buy
A reliable RC Radio Transmitter is really one of the most important things you can buy when it comes to launching your expensive RC Helicopter or Plane into the sky and keeping it from crashing down into the ground.
There is nothing worse than having spent many hours building an expensive plane or helicopter than to take it out into the field and have it fall out of the sky from a bad radio signal.
Thankfully RC Radio technology is better than ever. Choosing a brand name quality radio transmitter can prevent costly crashes or fly aways later on. Let's have a look at some of the most popular selling models from Spektrum, Futuba, Frsky and HiTec.
Each company makes a wide range of models, we will only look at from inexpensive to some you may need to get a small loan to afford. When you move up the model ladder you are paying for smoother high quality ball bearing gimbles, better cases and more channels.
A more expensive radio with smoother sticks can make you a better pilot. But it won't take the place of many hours spent actually honing your flying skills.
Let's have a look at some of the best transmitters available and how they compare. We will show you which RC radios are the best for 2019
Spektrum Radio
The Spektrum RC Radios have not been around as long as Futuba, but they really have some good things going for them and many RC Pilots are quite happy with them.
They offer intuitive easy to use software, quality hardware in their upper line models and the their easy bind and fly setup works great with many popular Horizon RC planes and helicopters available everywhere.
While not as universal as Spektrum, Futaba Radios continue to be extremely popular especially with custom builders of high-end RC planes and helicopters.
Their 10 channel 10JS computer telemetry-capable radio has excellent build quality and while it may not be quite as easy to program as Spektrum, it is still a very popular alternative for RC helicopter, glider and airplane pilots.
Programming a Spektrum Radio is still easier, but Futuba has made some advances in their programable radios in the last few years and they have become more intuitive and easier to program.
While not bind-n-fly, you can easily control the larger DJI quads as long as you install the included Futuba receiver.
It also features more expensive quad-bearing with precise stick control. Flying your RC plane, helicopter or drone with a higher end radio will make you a much better pilot.
This radio also has a long list of features.
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Their highest end best model is half the cost of a top of the line radio from Futuba or Spektrum. Their design may also be a little unconventional. But they do have some loyal fans and their radios do work as designed.
Additional Features
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Probably best known for their high end Aurora 9. This is their "pure digital" 2.4GHz system that gives you a fully "connected" feeling.
This radio has a large backlit 5.1 inch touch screen display with 30 Model memory, easy assignable switches and fully customizable programming menus. The Aurora 9 is a true 3 in 1 radio.
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| Spektrum iX12 |
Spektrum 1X12 12-Channel DSMX Transmitter with AR9030T RK
This a Top RC radio from Spektrum and it's a beauty!
Besides the beautiful color display it also features,
Additional Features
- Machined-aluminum, quad-bearing gimbals
- Ergonomic side grips
- 12 fully-proportional channels
- 250-model memory
Futuba Radio
Many of you that have been flying for a long time have probably grown up with Futuba. They are a Japanese company that has been around since 1948 and to this day they still make some very nice quality RC Radios.While not as universal as Spektrum, Futaba Radios continue to be extremely popular especially with custom builders of high-end RC planes and helicopters.
Their 10 channel 10JS computer telemetry-capable radio has excellent build quality and while it may not be quite as easy to program as Spektrum, it is still a very popular alternative for RC helicopter, glider and airplane pilots.
Programming a Spektrum Radio is still easier, but Futuba has made some advances in their programable radios in the last few years and they have become more intuitive and easier to program.
While not bind-n-fly, you can easily control the larger DJI quads as long as you install the included Futuba receiver.
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| Futuba 18SZA |
Futaba 18SZA 18-Channel FASST
This is the top ready made by Futuba, and it is also a very nicely made and serious piece of RC hardware.It also features more expensive quad-bearing with precise stick control. Flying your RC plane, helicopter or drone with a higher end radio will make you a much better pilot.
This radio also has a long list of features.
Additional Features
- Data editor for S.Bus programming
- 15 character user and model naming
- Sub trims
- Servo reversing
- End point adjustment
- Data resets
- Battery fail safe
- Servo speed adjustment
- AFR D/R
- AFR curve mode (3)
- AFR curve point (17 points)
- Programmable mixing
- Throttle cut
- Idle down
- Logic switches
- User menu
- Servo monitor
- Up/Down timer (2)
- System timer
- Model timer
- Throttle stick alarm
- Rubber hand grips
- Backlight adjustment
- Calibration
- Alarm voltage
- Alarm vibrator
- Auto power off
- Range check
- Dual receiver setup
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Frsky Taranis Radio
Frsky is a Chinese manufacturer of lower cost RC radio transmitters. Unlike the pricer made in Japan Futuba radios, they are competing quite successfully in the lower range market segment. While they still are not as popular as some of the other larger players they do make some pretty decent hardware that won't break the bank.Their highest end best model is half the cost of a top of the line radio from Futuba or Spektrum. Their design may also be a little unconventional. But they do have some loyal fans and their radios do work as designed.
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| FrSky X12S |
FrSky Horus X12S Radio
The X12S is FrSky's best radio and it has some nice features as well. We really like their CNC 6 ball bearings gimbals with accuracy Hall effect sensors and extensible by stick ends. Hall effect sensors eliminate mechanical switches so they are more accurate and are very durable.Additional Features
- Full telemetry and real-time data logging
- 6 position encoder for easier flight modes switch
- Integrated GPS module and Inbuilt 6-axis sensor (3-axis gyro and 3-axis accelerator)
- Internal and external antenna selectable
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Hitec RCD Radio
Probably best known for their high end Aurora 9. This is their "pure digital" 2.4GHz system that gives you a fully "connected" feeling.
This radio has a large backlit 5.1 inch touch screen display with 30 Model memory, easy assignable switches and fully customizable programming menus. The Aurora 9 is a true 3 in 1 radio.
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| Hitec Aurora 9 |
Hitec Aurora 9, 2.4GHz Transmitter
This is one of the most affordable higher end radios with some great features for the price. It also offers very sensetive 8-ball bearing gimbals with adjustable tension.
We find it ironic that the lower priced radios offer more ball-bearings then in some of the more expensive models.
This lower cost top of the line Hitec model is a very decent radio transmitter for the money and will also make you a much better pilot versus the cheap radios that come with many bind-n-fly kits.
Additional Features
- AFHSS 2.4GHz / PPM / PCM Compatible
- Easy to Read 5.1 Inch Wide Backlit Touch Screen
- Customizable Menus
- Fully Assignable Control Switch, Knob, Stick and Digital Trims
- Highly Sensitive 8 Ball-Bearing Gimbals with Adjustable Tension
No matter which RC radio you buy, you won't go wrong with any one of these. They all over some great features along with great gimbals for ultra precision, and outstanding aerial maneuvers.
If you can afford it, both the Spektrum and Futuba offer the best software and top of the line quality hardware. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Frsky or especially the bargain priced Hitec Aurora 9 compared to the rest. Just make sure to buy a receiver as they won't bind and fly like the Spektrum do with their bind-n-fly RC models.
If you can afford it, both the Spektrum and Futuba offer the best software and top of the line quality hardware. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Frsky or especially the bargain priced Hitec Aurora 9 compared to the rest. Just make sure to buy a receiver as they won't bind and fly like the Spektrum do with their bind-n-fly RC models.
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