Airtronics vs. Futaba?

David Bryant · Nov 2, 2013

okay, I know, another Airtronics vs Futaba thing..............

But I'm considering a new Airtronics M12 Competition system:

http://www.airtronics.net/index.php/radios-receivers/2-4-ghz-surface-radios-1/airtronics-m12-competition-pistol-radio-w-rx-471-dry.html

However I'm also intrigued with Futaba 4PKS-R and 3PM-X systems:

http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futk4903-4pksr/index.html

http://www.futaba-rc.com/systems/futk2021.html

I've owned nothing but Airtronics over many years, been happy. I still have tons of older new and used Airtronics peripherals (ie. servo's, receivers, etc.,...)

Both brands look good to me. Curious to hear your constructive comments,........

Ken Webb · Nov 2, 2013

Go with what your use to. All are good. Or go with your gut feelings.

Greg Moss · Nov 2, 2013

I've used the Futaba 3PM-X for all more than 2 years of racing. Up front cost was very good. It's a reliable system with good range and TX battery life The diversity receivers seem bullet proof over water and their design makes it easy to flush out if you happen to get any water in them. On LiFe RX packs I've never had an issue with receiver burn-out, etc. The weak point of the radio transmitter is the antenna mount. I have broken two cases at the antenna pivot and they're not really repairable. The antenna isn't screw in. Self-amalgamating tape has worked as a stop-gap measure.

I've bought and will be moving to the Futaba 4PKSR so that I can keep all the 3-channel receivers I have. They have been a big investment and that was a major consideration.

I considered going to the Airtronics (Sanwa over here) but in the end the money tied up in Futaba receivers made the decision for me.

Bill Zawada · Nov 2, 2013

Look at $$$$. Going 2.4 you will need all new receivers either way. Servos should work.

I vote for Futaba. I have a 3PK converted to 2.4 and Futaba receivers. Never had a problem.

David Bryant · Nov 2, 2013

Bill Zawada said:
Look at $$$$. Going 2.4 you will need all new receivers either way. Servos should work.

I vote for Futaba. I have a 3PK converted to 2.4 and Futaba receivers. Never had a problem.

exactly why I generated this post, as I am new to the 2.4Ghz radios. All my older gear is analog 1980's and 1990's. Thing is I have several brand-new in-box analog top-of-the-line Airtronics servo's. I'm not sure if it will be worth using them or not?

David Bryant · Nov 2, 2013

Greg Moss said:
I've used the Futaba 3PM-X for all more than 2 years of racing. Up front cost was very good. It's a reliable system with good range and TX battery life The diversity receivers seem bullet proof over water and their design makes it easy to flush out if you happen to get any water in them. On LiFe RX packs I've never had an issue with receiver burn-out, etc. The weak point of the radio transmitter is the antenna mount. I have broken two cases at the antenna pivot and they're not really repairable. The antenna isn't screw in. Self-amalgamating tape has worked as a stop-gap measure.

I've bought and will be moving to the Futaba 4PKSR so that I can keep all the 3-channel receivers I have. They have been a big investment and that was a major consideration.

I considered going to the Airtronics (Sanwa over here) but in the end the money tied up in Futaba receivers made the decision for me.

thanks for your input. You're right, it's quite an investment these days, especially additional receivers for additional models.

Also considering sticking with brand-new Ni-MH packs (800mah & 1000mah 6v Rx packs) as I have extensive charging and cycling gear

Andy Greene · Nov 2, 2013

I use have used the Futaba Fasst for the last 3 years and will never look back, Zero radio issue's period.

David , if weight is not an issue 5 cell 6v 1600mah rec packs will never fail you , a well placed bit of extra weight wont hurt ya either

ALLAN YUEN · Nov 2, 2013

Better you go to Hobby store . Depend on your comfort for pistol wheel : compare airtronics and futaba and First Read manaul books Will you decide choice one before buy one. I like both Airtronics and Futaba for 2 Sticks with 2.4 GHZ .

David Bryant · Nov 3, 2013

ALLAN YUEN said:
I like both Airtronics and Futaba for 2 Sticks with 2.4 GHZ .

I originally grew-up using 2-stick radio's years ago, but eventually transitioned to wheel/pistol type.

ZZ RACING · Nov 3, 2013

Both Futaba and Airtronics use the channel hopping spread spectrum and that is what you want.

David Bryant · Nov 4, 2013

anyone use after-market NiMH packs in M12 transmitter case? Just curious if anyone has used 8-cell/9.6v configuration inside battery compartment?

SayMikey · Nov 4, 2013

Dont forget to have a look and the Futaba 4pl its a great system as well

Wazzy · Nov 4, 2013

Futaba's 4PL has been replaced with the 4PLS, same specs plus telemetry for the same price.

Airtronics vs. Futaba?

Help Support Intlwaters:

David Bryant

Well-Known Member

Ken Webb

Well-Known Member

Greg Moss

Well-Known Member

Bill Zawada

Well-Known Member

David Bryant

Well-Known Member

David Bryant

Well-Known Member

Andy Greene

Well-Known Member

ALLAN YUEN

Well-Known Member

David Bryant

Well-Known Member

ZZ RACING

Well-Known Member

David Bryant

Well-Known Member

SayMikey

Well-Known Member

Wazzy

Active Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Airtronics vs. Futaba?

Help Support Intlwaters:

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!