[wingtipper]

Before this thread I was actually all for the spektrum, and it was a few comments about having the few extra channels that prompted me to have a better look around. I can get the Futaba about the same cost as the DX8, but with the extra channels, which i'm going to want down the track.
I'm also interested in flying helicopters, more for photography work with husky racing, and with Dave's expertise in that area could be handy.
Still want to actually touch and feel the radios before buying one.
Yes I'm leaning towards the Futaba but it's not set in stone yet.

i dont think you can go wrong with the hi end radios you are looking at . i rememeber futaba as always being the leading brand ,years ago . but JR was an alternative , and hi tech for the rebels . spectrum now are hard to look past . i hated the look of the DX6i and didnt want it , but got it and am wrapped , anything above the DX6i or DX7 and i think your in RC TX HEAVEN . . on that basis , i'd love to see a 12 channel radio and interested to see why one would need 12 channels , but there must be a need if they make em . cheers .