Classes of RC radios/transmitters

I would categorize the transmitters out there into 4 different classes.  As you move up in price, you’re getting more features and adjustments.  Hopefully this post gives you an idea of what you’re paying for when you spend a little more for a radio.

RTR:  $40-60

RTR radios are, as the name implies, radios that come with ready-to-run vehicles. These are your basic, no-frills radios that are enough to get the job done, but are pretty limited in features and quality.  You can usually buy them standalone also.  They are the bare minimum to drive your car and adjust it.  You’ll get steering/throttle trim, dual-rate, servo reversing, and that’s usually it. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll get left/right EPA and maybe a 3rd channel control.  They generally feature 2 analog knobs to adjust steering and throttle trim, and a couple of switches for power and reversing.  Nowadays, they should all be 2.4 Ghz radios.

Examples: Traxxas TQi, Futaba 3PRKA, Spektrum DX2E, Tactic TTX300, Flysky FS-G2

Entry-level:  $100-$130

When you’re ready to upgrade your RTR radio, you’ll want to look at the next tier of transmitters.  The entry-level radios will have digital adjustments, internal antenna, radio battery voltage, multi-model memory, steering/throttle EPA, 3rd channel, LCD display and menu system, steering/throttle exponential, and sometimes a connector for a NiMh/LiPo/LiFe battery.  They also usually have some more advanced features like ABS, 4-wheel steering/mixing and possibly stability control (Spektrum AVC).  For me, these radios have pretty much the most basic set of features you’ll want and what I consider the bare minimum for a radio. 

Examples: Futaba 3PV, Sanwa MX-V, Flysky GT-3C, and Spektrum DX4C.

Mid-level:  $230-$300

Mid-level radios will have more advanced features, including telemetry, faster response times, model memory/copy/clear, back-lit display, a multi-level menu system, and definitely a battery plug for nimh/lipo/life batteries.  You’ll also get programmable buttons/knobs, adjustable expo curves, battery alarm, and timer.  These radios also usually use a faster/newer protocol (i.e. FAAST or FHSS-3/FHSS-4) and often have proprietary servos and ESCs you can use for faster controls.

On the ergonomics front, you get adjustable trigger positions and tensions, usually a drop-down wheel and different size grips.  They are definitely made to adjust to fit your particular hand for comfort.

Examples:  Futaba 4PLS, Sanwa MT-4S, Spektrum DX-4R

High-end:  $400+

I don’t own any high-end radios.  The radios I’m talking about are the Futaba 4PX, Sanwa MT-12S, and the recently released Spektrum DX-6C.  At this level, you get color displays, headphone jacks, and in the case of the DX-6C some seriously advanced features:  it runs Android, so you basically get a smartphone/transmitter combo in one and can run your browser, YouTube, or whatever app!  I expect this segment to go bonkers now that Spektrum has jumped the shark with regards to technology!