Are RC Budget Transmitters Any Good Or Should You Spend More? What can you get for under £100

In this video, I look at budget 3 channel stick and pistol grip transmitters and see if spending more is really worth it of can you get a gem for less.
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[@Gene_the_OG_Raver]

It's called pistol grip

[@seanhickling7340]

Dumborc 6 channel with giro, end of. Fantastic piece of kit with amazing distance... All for only £18 😁

[@justinstandring7413]

Hi Gavin.I ran various flysky transmitters with no problems,using the gr3e receivers.I moved on to these after trying tactic(good but expensive-no aeriel cable on the receiver!!)and a horrible spectrum.But,I struggled having loads of handsets.I graduated to the FS-gt3b which I could link multiple cars to.BUT it is imprecise on the trim and complicated to set through the menus.I finally worked out the answer to all my transmitter problems.Firstly,they all ate AA batteries.So,the solution to all my problems came with the FS-GT2b.It is great.Firstly it has a rechargable battery like any smartphone,so you never have to buy AA batteries ever again.You simply charge it via a usb.Secondly,if you bind it to any fsgr-3e receiver(which cost about £4 each)it stays bound to every car you own.The only thing you have to do is pick up the car you want to use,turn it on,then trim the throttle and steering,which takes about 30 seconds.I now only run 1 transmitter where I used to have 6 ,all with AA in.This is the answer that took me about 7 years to work out.So,my advice to anyone with multiple cars is to buy 1 FS-GT2b and a multipack of gr3e receivers.I have never had one fail.Thanks again for the content.I hope my experience has been useful to someone.

[@tonystamp2708]

A very useful little video. Thanks.

[@zacharydalton412]

Love my Flysky Noble, a little more then I wanted to send,but now I'm using that as my main transmitter. Still have my Futaba Magnum AM as my vintage unit.

[@wardster7329]

Really useful video. Just started looking at RC cars again since racing them over 30 years ago. As I'm now finding out, a lot of things have changed over the years including the controllers. The wife bought me the re-release CAT XLS for Christmas as that was the last car I had around 1988/89. She also bought me the Carson stick controller that one of your Facebook guys mention. It feels very plasticky, nothing like the old Techniplus or Futaba attacks.

[@RCKickschannel]

Hi and welcome 👍🏻 Welcome back to RC, that’s really cool and you are going to love a few new advances. Lipo batteries are amazing and you are just going to love brushless motors! If you have already seen them I have built an XLS myself on the channel so you can find loads of video content on the XLS build on RCKicks.com. Good luck with the XLS, an amazing buggy but a real pain to build. TIP: fit the steering early on and don’t screw up the body painting like I did lol

[@semperatis]

The GoolRC TG-3 is a good transmitter/receiver for crawling and bashing,which comes in at under £20. Wheel is in a nice positon to enable you to drive one-handed whilst filming with the other.

[@davidpiper3652]

I have a DumboRC 6 channel with built-in gyro. Works quite well, mechanical old school trims and switches. For drive for fun cars it's fine.

[@aviano72]

I have that Core RC transmitter, but unfortunately they don't make receivers anymore. So now my main transmitter is the Futaba 4GRS, it's awesome! I also have the Flysky GT3C but after using it for a month or so i retired it and got a Flysky Noble. What a super radio the Noble is, such quality and so many and easy menus to use. And it has 20 model memories out of the box.

[@duffduff4948]

Now THAT'S what I call a useful review!!! perfect thank you :)

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks. 🙏🏻

[@bunjy814]

DSC should be Direct Servo Control. It's a feature usually found on older radios which allowed you to physically connect the transmitter to the receiver and adjust all your radio settings while you're in the pits without sending out a radio signal and disrupting any races currently in progress.

[@RCKickschannel]

Cool thanks for the info. 👍🏻 that’s interesting and a new one on me.

[@crazylarryjr]

yeah with the code hopping ability og the 2.4 ghz it fell out of favor, but since there is only like 40 channels available in 2.4, there is a possibility you might can still have a use at big races or groups runs

[@AaronFlaming]

I agree with Berry. The RadioLink RC4S is amazing and has a very good GUI.

[@JF-RC]

Hi Gavin, I have the FlySky GT5, it is a good 6 channel transmitter and you can bind the FS-BS6 receiver if you need the 6 channels, the FS-BS4 if you only need the 4 channels or for more of a budget and only need 2/3 channels,you can bind the FS-A3 receivers. All receivers are competitively priced and won’t break the bank!, all receivers use AFHDS 2A frequency hopping ( so reliable signal ),the FS-BS6 and FS-BS4 also have the Gyro facility for more secure and stable car control. You can store 20 cars and typically the GT5 with FS-BS6 receiver retails at around £60, with the FS-BS6 at approx £23/£24; FS-BS at approx £15/£16 and FS-A3 at approx £5/£6 each, so very reasonable. Hope that helps, take care 😁😉

[@shamblaaa2591]

Thanks for the review. Just bought the Flysky off your recommendation. They do it in black so went for that 👍

[@michaeldack4930]

Glad I'm not the only one, stick for me too!

[@deedoubleyatraining]

Well, this is one of those really helpful more 'mundane' videos, however it has just enabled me to select simple receiver/transmitter. I already have a 'Code' version on a Midnight Pumpkin for my lad, and more expensive kit and a fave of mine ( Well shelf queen actually ), the beauty of this video has lieterally just had me click buy it now on an Absima. No messing, just simple mechanical control on a TT02 that I bought on a whim. I'm done with swapping out radio gear etc. Just switch on and off we go again, model to model. Thankyou for this, a great help !

[@RCKickschannel]

Most welcome David. 👍🏻

[@stefff13]

The upgrade version of th the abisma CR3P transmitter is amazing for the price point

[@TheToecutter69]

Been running my Traxxas TQi with Bluetooth for years, Hasn’t failed me yet!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Good Video Gavin! I'm hoping to eventually afford a Futaba 3PV or 3PX... I've just used Futaba since my Magnum Jr, back in 1986. I'm used to their quirks. 😜 The RadioLink RC4S has got to be the best value for money! FIVE Channels, phenomenal range, good quality, user friendly interface - Recievers are cheap as chips!! And a 20 Model Memory. 👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@uncletom1971]

Good review there, Kicks, thanks. As mentioned in the comments already the GoolRC TG3, that's a 3-channel 2.4ghz pistol grip system for cars, also goes under the brand "Austar AX5S", would be the ultimate system considering its price per channel. The build quality is your typical chinese budget ofcourse, but transmitter with one receiver costs around £20, and each receiver is £5. I have like 20 receivers in my 25 cars, running all with only one transmitter (though I have three more as spare). The interface is purely analog, all knobs no LCD, minimal antenna (no clumsy rod sticking out), binding is simple, and it runs for ages on four AA cells making it most economical. A simpler and quicker hands-on remote for your car you need yet to find. The only drawback with all mine was I had to swap (soldering) the potentiometer Vcc and GND flipping direction to make steering go the same way as the tuning-pot. , otherwise these all come reversed from factory, a goofy chinese miss but harmless.

[@TheGrumpyOldModeller]

I’ve just got one too but I didn’t know about how you could just buy more receivers 😢 just ordered another one for my other car but I’m sure in the very near future I’ll get more cars so will just get receivers now 😁👍 thanks for taking the time to write your comment I really appreciate it my friend 😁👍👍👍

[@johntora1]

@@TheGrumpyOldModeller you can go to AliExpress or banggood and just buy the receivers. That's what I did too.

[@johntora1]

Couldn't agree more👍🏿

[@darrenedwards2146]

Help what one would be good for a traxxas t maxx with reverse. I’m a bit of an old school chap but I’ve lost the bottom from my hand set thanks

[@RCACTIONAUSTRALIA]

Nice Review. I have the Futaba and Fly Sky. Fly Sky is best value

[@darkiee69]

Since your stick radio is FHSS protocol can't you bind it to other FHSS compatible receivers since the originals are gettin a bit twitchy? Absima make a 2 channel stick radio too. All 2,4 gHz is channel skipping, they just use different protocol.

[@cowboy21745]

I have bumborc and love them

[@RCKickschannel]

Good range that one 👍🏻

[@BBBILLY86]

Maybe a dumb question. But I'm trying to get my 34 year old Tamiya cars going again. The transmitter, receiver, servos don't come in a kit? If I buy the Flysky do I need to buy a receiver and 2 servos for each buggy? Will my Futaba servos from the 80s plug into Flysky receivers? Sorry for so many questions.

[@PhilipBrown1967]

Have you any thoughts on rhe flysky gt2c the 3 looks a bit night for me

[@jimsrc2196]

Love my TQI transmitter . . Can save multiple cars to it that run traxxas receivers and it can use blue toth module to adjust things with your phone . . Also like my Spektrum DS4S transmitter that many prefer over the flysky transmitter you showed

[@Techcaveman1]

Still using my 12yr old Flysky Gt3b. Flashing the firmware soon

[@MrBulldog917]

For a little more than budget I love my spektrum dx5c I've got 5 cars on it now and room for 15 more and it is really easy to use for everything I do with it

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Would live to see a 2022 version of this video... maybe mid budget opinions...

[@toasty925]

Any of these good for drift rc builds?

[@NotIT]

I went from twin stick to the 3PV also. I like the 3PV well enough, but I feel the interface is a bit slow to navigate. Especially switching between the 10 memory slots. Also the receivers are slightly more expensive but you have many options. Even though it’s a 3ch and has 4 wheel steering mix they require you buy a 4ch receiver to use it.

[@adriansmith1826]

I've been looking for a rechargeable battery for my futaba 3pv but the cheapest one I could find was the futaba LiFe one for £75, I would like to know what the £35 battery make and model number is please if you know. Thanks.

[@planker]

Do you have an opinion on the Eachine TX6 ? Its a budget rig, but what is it? Like!

[@rcalltypes8230]

Agreed, FlySky radio’s are best bang for buck, I use a few of them. If you have a RC that’s good for 100mph then a quality Futaba radio is the way to go, at least from my experience.

[@rijkemans5114]

Any experiences with the T2M Racer 3S?

[@jblflexyt8142]

I have the 2x cr2sv2 and im looking for a fs gt3c

[@paulblack8995]

Anyone recommend a good budget servo? I’m building my first car since I was a kid, a TT02, so I don’t need anything flash.

[@killuadre9176]

Something from Power HD

[@johnabelljr1997]

I've always referred to those as pistol style radios. Whether correct or not, I don't know.

[@alfredyost7972]

I am surprised you did not look at any of the Spektrum radios. I have a Rugged radio and I am having problems with it. It is really hard to program. It turns out that mine is defective. I am awaiting a repair. I do have the Futaba 3PV radio. It is easy to program but is more expensive. I have many Airtronics radios. I really like those radios, but they no longer exist. The Airtronics radios were made by Sanwa and those radios might be a good choice.

[@davidturner2365]

I’m still using an old spektrum dx3R lol

[@1BARBAS]

Rc kicks can you help me is the fkysky as 3 chanel and I need a 4 channel os possible to change the reciver?

[@RCKickschannel]

No the trans is a 3 channel

[@ifly65]

I suggest Flysky IT4s. $89.00 with 5 telemetry modules. It is very nice for the money.

[@AntsPlants]

I agree a great transmitters

[@tomkirbygreen]

Great episode. Nice to see some 1/8 scale on the show. Do you plan more 8th scale goodness?

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep, I have a TRX4 already that’s as good as 1/8 lol. I would love an Xmaxx but I need to save for an editing laptop so that’s a big chunk of cash first. RC is expensive but studio kit also adds up.

[@danielanderson5364]

I got a hornet with himoto 2.4 GHz transmitter not now the price and got on sand viper and vantage with etronix pulse 2 channel 2.4 GHZ both of controls can go very distances and are not cheap in the hands

[@leogoughmtbs]

I have the Absima stick controller a.f.h.d.s, and that is very good for a beginner

[@leogoughmtbs]

It's the SR2S or SR25

[@jjp735i9]

I can see why Flysky won. Been running mine for over a year and it's great.

[@anthonyaviles8665]

I use the flysky gt3c and gt3b they work good and u can run it and u can also hack it for up to 8 channels

[@davidkline4372]

I've always heard them referred to as "pistol grip" style transmitters...

[@christopheduchesne7864]

No mention of the my orange flying sticks controller....

[@crazylarryjr]

This side (west) of the pond (atlantic), we call it a pistol grip

[@beaglegod1]

So tempted to get the flysky, but I read reviews stating it's not built to last. Not sure very tempting though

[@RCKickschannel]

I’ve not had a problem with mine and I’ve had it for over a year now. GUI sucks balls but you get your head around it after a while. I can say the same for my Futaba GUI and that’s three times the price.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

dsc = digital selective calling (long story short it's their term for frequency hopping)

[@joerutkowsky3261]

The flysky gt5 is the best ! You should look at it . Not to bad for price . Comes with a gyro reciver. The has so many options. Buddy buy far the best remote and reciver. I will buy nothing but now .

[@bangurhead4027]

PISTOL GRIP TYPE TRANSMITTERS GOV!! ✌️💯

[@GTMatukka]

I have Futaba T3PV and Absima CR3P (it's a FlySky).

[@GTMatukka]

Absima (FlySky) is more sensitive to signal problems than the Futaba. Especially if there's towers nearby.

[@mikeymike3240]

Pistol grip transmitters. DOH 😖. The newer fly sky gt3 can be programmed out of the box for 10 rcs, i have one and have most of my rcs programmed to it. I also have the early fly sky gt3, it can be programmed for 3 rcs, and they are great transmitters, no problems with them. They just work.

[@alexufuoma-fv6ky]

How can I get one

[@RCKickschannel]

Just Goggle the name of the transmitter you like and click on the shipping tab. It will give you a list of sellers

[@jimmyjohnson6287]

I miss the stick controller. I hate having to use the guns.

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep I’m the same. I’ve got better with pistol grip but really unless you are going to mod a 4channel plane remote you have little choice these days apart from say Carlson and one or two others. Finding a quality 2-3 channel stick is not that easy anymore.

[@billobrien3676]

Well, the price just went up 30% on the GTSC... :-)

[@fc3sboy1]

Pistol grip radio and the twin stick is just stick radio

[@the1stoldman]

I have never understood why people spend so much on their cars and then put rubbish electronics in them, it can mean the quick death of your car, Personally i recommend either the Spektum DX5C or the DX5 Rugged

[@andrewgibson5970]

We run the Absim for the family fleet of bashers.

[@shawndenman9413]

Iv got two controller with the wheels on and the quality of them is crap one is a fs gt2 the plastic is crap and feels awful,just got back into rc and the stick controllers back in the day was way better quality these new wheel ones are pants

[@planker]

Pistol Grip

[@GTMatukka]

The Futaba doesn't use much power, so batteries will last :)

[@RCKickschannel]

Good to know 👍🏻 At £30+ I won’t be adding a Rechargeable battery pack that’s for sure. Not unless Incan find a low cost option that is.

[@dalelc43]

GUI Interface? Graphical User Interface Interface.

[@RCKickschannel]

Is that the only mistake, wow I must be improving ;)

[@alexdixon1252]

Their called pistol grip controllers

[@fc3sboy1]

Of course you buy the absolute cheapest version of one of the best radios on the market. For about $250 usdm you can get a quality futaba or airtronics or spectrum.

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

You knew that you were going to pick up something good you just had to get something for the meantime that's good now you got rear steer time to get a mt or pull out the g wagon option's wow what a lucky guy I got the gooogle eyes ouch 😎✝️🌠👽🙄🤪 faceballs sounds like ur up to code I need better English jkv✝️ used to enjoy stick when I was a boy now I'm a pistol grip guy well I think any of ur choices are good I use spectrum dx4c I wouldn't recommend but spectrum has good range good batterys and a good bind eye never lost range and it has telemetry/ gyro .....I think the orange on the sky makes it look cheap idk( just me )looks kool tho 🤨 I would buy one... I'm Paul and I use to work for Verizon but now I work for sprint kamikaze weeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Look a ufo

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Made u look

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

😁✝️🍔cheez burger that's calvary chapel church san Antonio Texas..

[@semperatis]

Pistol grip transmitters.

[@RCKickschannel]

Heheheh Yep, finally got it. I know, right muppet! 👍🏻😜

[@dalelc43]

Nothing like the professional look for a grown man playing with his toys 🤣🤣. Too late, nobody is going to think you look professional with your toy.

[@RCKickschannel]

Nothing professional on this channel Dale. I would have thought that would have been obvious. ;)

[@raymondchan9802]

I hv always thought Futaba is prestigous. Many cheap pistol grips in the rc market today. A decent one i particularly like is Goolrc. Its really not bad at all.