Getting Started: Choosing a Transmitter / Radio

The transmitter (radio control) you choose is very important and will effect your ability to control your car

My first "racing" radio was a $75 FlySky GT2B.  I suggest you avoid the temptation to buy a very cheap radio like this.  The latency/delay between the movements you make on these cheap transmitters vs the time it takes the car to react will make it very difficult for you to drive well.  Trust me...and don't make the same mistake I made

Here are my top suggestions and some honourable mentions...

Top Suggestion - Sanwa:
Premium:  Sanwa M17 / M17S
Middle:  Sanwa MT-5
Entry Level:  Sanwa MT-R

Why Sanwa brand?  Sanwa is used by the vast majority of professional RC racers and for good reason.  The performance of these radios is among the best available and the price for the entry level and mid grade radios is on par with other "lesser" brands.  Sanwa is also well supported at our local clubs by all levels of drivers so you'll be able to get setup help if needed

Honourable Mention - FlySky:
Premium:  FlySky Noble Pro
Middle:  FlySky Noble
Entry Level:  Not recommended

FlySky has come a long way in their quality and feature set.  Some pro-level racers are now using the FlySky Noble Pro and several of the local racers are running the Noble radios

Honourable Mention - Futaba:
Premium:  Futaba 10PX
Middle:  Futaba 4PM
Entry Level:  Futaba 3PV

Futaba is another great brand of radio to consider and is relatively easy to obtain.  Futaba is not as common as Sanwa or even FlySky locally but a few local racers run Futaba radios so you should be able to get some help if needed

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​Used Equipment:
If buying a brand new radio is not within your budget, you may wish to consider a good, used one.  Have a look on our local Facebook buy and sell pages:

• Vancouver On Road RC Buy and Sell
• Outlaw RC Official Buy and Sell Group

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