Should You Upgrade from the Futaba T18SZ to the T26SZ? | Upgrade Guide & Advice

[@RichardGee9]

Excellent comparison, Matt, and much appreciated. Been flying Futaba exclusively for 20 years without a single failure of any kind. I think I will keep my 18SZ 70th Anniversary Edition for the foreseeable future...

[@MattTakharRC]

Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment 👍🏽 The 18SZ is a great set. Mine works perfectly well.

[@CVHeliPilot]

Thanks for the video review Matt. I purchased my 18SZ way back in Nov 2016 when they were first released here in Australia to replace my aging JR12X and T14SG - So the 18SZ's are getting on a bit - 8 years old now. The 26SZ looks like a great replacement for the 18SZ except for the sliders and no FASST support...! Good to see that the top switching is identical to the 18SZ and not as cramped as on the 16IZ/IZS. I wanted a flagship radio 2yrs ago and looked at the 32MZ however I ended up switching to a PowerBox Core mainly due to the enhanced telemetry and RF features which is useful for my jets. The 32MZ and Core were basically the same price here in Aus and I felt that the Core offered more features that I found useful for me. Anyway, Futaba still make great quality gear and I will be holding onto my 18SZ due to how great it was during its heydays. Thanks..! Costas

[@MattTakharRC]

Hey Costas. It's super cool to know someone from Australia is watching, thank you. Thank also for letting me know the T18SZ is 8 years old, I've just used that in my new video (uploading now). PowerBox is a great choice! I had one on loan a while back and recorded a couple of videos, but I didn't really use it enough to get used to it. If that makes sense. Happy flying!

[@emilverwoerd1718]

Bought the 18SZ in September 2015 when they where released in Europe still using it today. nice video btw

[@MattTakharRC]

Wow I didn't realise they go back to 2015. It is a good set! Thanks for watching!

[@interman7715]

I have a 14sg and love it ,I fly expensive models and it has always been reliable, I was excited about the new 26 channel but with no Fasst support for my many recievers ,I'll pass on it .

[@MattTakharRC]

I think most people are saying the same. No FASST, then no thanks.

[@helischorsch9786]

I‘m using the T16sz and for the last three month the T16IZs with potless sticks. I‘m fine with it and extremely satisfied with the potless sticks vs the analog ones on my 16sz…the 26 might be on my list for next year when I go scale Heli 👍…great review Matt👍…cheers from Munich, Sven🍺

[@MattTakharRC]

Hello Sven! Both are great transmitters! I had a T16SZ which I recently gave to Finn from FlyingFinnRC. I also have a T16IZs, which is really good for the money. Thanks for watching!

[@VipiModel-nk3ce]

i have 18mzWC, 16SZ, 16IZS and 18SZ 70 anniversary and they are all powerful, in my opinion all pilots who have one of these radios not need to upgrade to 26SZ, I think 2 screen with the same info is not necessary at all and a new radio without FASST is the worst, I have around 40 FASST RXs, my favorite one is 16IZS, powerful, light weight and stunning touchscreen and of course with all protocol available included FASST, hope my opinion can help and keep in mind not always last transmitter is always the best, regards to everyone from Spain

[@MattTakharRC]

Hello Spain! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Firstly, you have a great selection of transmitters! I've been told several times that I need to checkout the T18MZ-WC! The lack of FASST is going to be a BIG issue for the majority of people looking at the new T26. Now, I'm not yet sure if Futaba have stopped FASST worldwide or just for Europe & UK. I will be researching it shortly.

[@VipiModel-nk3ce]

I bought my 16IZS in Japan and support FASST, the same radio in Europe comes without FASST, I think 26SZ comes without FASST worlwide, will wait next Futaba radio and will see what they do with FASST, thanks for sharing your videos Matt, they are great, best regards my friend

[@MattTakharRC]

Thank you for confirming. I think you are exactly right! All the best.

[@SuperVideoCity]

Futaba managers decided to not support anymore FASST in EU region for new transmitters, because they must now be compliant with LBT (Listen Before Transmit) regulation change, which makes the communication bit slower and pilots don't appreciate this degradation, much visibile with 3D sport flying nor just don't like the idea to use top class transmitter being in this situation. Also, other receiver manufacturers complained about incompatibilty problems resulting to their receivers. This is what I have found in the web and seems to be correct. Remember that things are changing over time, so what we say today might be different in the future or already outdated at this point. One thing per sure is that those not seeing FASST in the list of displayed protocols must understand that's not a bug (reading user manual downloaded basis other country might create confusion is FASST support is indicated in it).

[@SuperVideoCity]

I'm looking to hear for more details about the 2nd screen. I can't display simultaneously timers and tele data in main screen (must: temp + fuel gauge + rpm) so using old IISI Cockpit which is very nice. 18SZ here (heli turbine). Double telemetry: Futaba + IISI 5ghz connected to ECU bus.

[@DannyMatthewsRC]

tho i won’t switch to futaba because there’s a lot more reliable manufacturers out today, compared when i was flying as a kid, always a good watch watching your videos. edit: this is kinda a petty negative i guess? but im not a fan of how futaba looks. frsky looks the best imo, and than spektrum is sleek looking

[@MattTakharRC]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. There are definitely parts of the new TX that could have been better. Overall it is a better transmitter than the T18SZ. I will be checking out frsky at some point.

[@DannyMatthewsRC]

@@MattTakharRC appreciate the reply. also have you looked into RadioMaster? seems like a lot of fpv guys use em for their drones, but i’m thinking about getting the tx16s to get off the dxs. curious, if you have any experience with them? great price point to features! would love it if you’d give my videos a watch btw!

[@guillermogomezsanchez4584]

Just update my old 14sg with the 26sz 😁 looking forward to test it out

[@MattTakharRC]

Nice! Thats a big step forward. Enjoy!

[@grege2383]

1st, Good video. The biggest complaint I've heard about the 18sz vs 16IZ is the spacing between the SE & SF / spacing between SG & SH switches. For many of us the 16IZ is just too small. From a very reliable source Futaba has been aware of this. Hopefully the 26 has the same spacing as the 18sz. The spacing issue is why I chose the 18sz a couple years ago over the 16IZ.

[@MattTakharRC]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. The spacing on those switches is the same on the T26SZ and T18SZ, I'm pleased to report!

[@74Rossco]

@@MattTakharRC T26 uses the same case as the 32mz so same switch spacing.

[@rccosplay3249]

I use Futaba Fasstest only so the no Fasst is a non issue. I'm looking forward to the T26SZ and the speech/callouts. Still not available on Futaba or Tower website. As for now my T16SZ is doing just fine🙏

[@MattTakharRC]

In my opinion the T16SZ is a great transmitter for the money 👍🏽

[@rcflyernc2001]

Hey there Matt : ) I love your vids!! after watching your 1st video about the 26SZ and I went straight to the Futaba website and even Tower Hobbies. Neither website has the 26SZ in the list of Transmitters that are for sale. I am currently using the Futaba T16SZ and I love that radio and I don't believe I will ever need to have 18 or even 26 channels.

[@MattTakharRC]

Hey thanks for the feedback, glad you’re enjoying the vids! Are you based in America? If so, I don’t think they have come out there yet which is odd. You would think it would be a global release. The T16SZ is a great radio. I will do a comparison between the 16 and 26 next week. I have a couple of projects I need to conclude this week. Btw I purchased mine here nexusmodels.co.uk/products/futaba-26sz-26-channel-air-radio-transmitter-fasstest-multi-mode-p-t26

[@rcflyernc2001]

@@MattTakharRC Yes I am in the US. My family and I are in the state of Montana. I have a more than a few projects going on right now, but I took a hiatus from them, because my partner and I purchased a new Look 6’ x 12’ enclosed trailer and we are in the of finishing that. I’ve flown only once so far this year and it was in our own backyard. It was so much fun that evening. After the trailer is done, I am hoping to get some more flights with our planes. I have 4 maiden flights to get done. I will be putting pics on the website when I get a chance to do some flying.

[@nealrehm6900]

RC flyer, is that you Ken?

[@rcflyernc2001]

@@nealrehm6900 Nope, you have the wrong rcflyer.

[@The43rdHammer]

Great video 🙌

[@MattTakharRC]

Glad you liked it!

[@jamescattanach1129]

Thank you for this review, it's pushing me towards Graupner mz 32 Hott which enables wireless at a similar price point

[@MattTakharRC]

Hi James. Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m glad I helped in some way. I think transmitters are a personal preference and also a big investment which we don’t want to get wrong.

[@markbutler7027]

@@MattTakharRC Thanks for the video showing the difference between the two radios. I switch from Futaba to Graupner years ago for your first two reasons; voice and wireless connection to gyros, sensors, and speed controllers in the Graupner radios.

[@Nickwev77]

Great vid, thanks. 26 vs 16izs comparison would be interesting, see what you get for double the price?

[@MattTakharRC]

It’s on the list bud! 👍🏽

[@bohan9957]

Speech has been available on $100 Taranis radios for a decade. Here we are making a big fuzz about having Speech function on a high end Futaba radio that costs thousands.

[@MattTakharRC]

I know, lots of sets have had fully customisable speech for a while now. Futaba still doesn’t have it. It’s preset speech files/words that you can assign to switches and functions.

[@cymaz100]

Got an 18mz….its got everything I need😊AND it does any speech you want to up load. Go and get a second hand 18mz and save a bunch. It’s very powerful better than the sz

[@MattTakharRC]

I hear good things about the 18MZ! I’ve not tried one yet. Did you have any issues copying models across to it, from an older TX?

[@cymaz100]

@@MattTakharRCMy 18mz was a replacement for a 9z with a campac..so model swap was impossible 😅

[@MattTakharRC]

Haha I remember the Campac modules. I used to have a Futaba 9 Zap, loved it!

[@michaeltrager4381]

Looks like the main display is smaller then on the T18sz:( But I still will buy it once it's available in the USA:)

[@MattTakharRC]

It is smaller for sure, but higher quality. I did ask why they didn’t make it bigger. I didn’t get a straight answer but it maybe because they need more differences between the T26 and the T32.

[@michaeltrager4381]

@@MattTakharRC Yes but I returned the 32MZ to Futaba because for the size of the display it wasn't any better then my T18SZ! Did you ever see the display on the DJI Pro Controller? For that price it should look like that! Thank you for your reviews Matt!

[@MattTakharRC]

That’s a fair comment. I did see the DJI Pro controller, very impressive display indeed. It’s interesting to hear what people want. I’m with you, bigger display and higher quality please Futaba.

[@tysonstephenson2181]

I have been a Futaba user since the 1990s. In general, I updated my transmitter when the new ones came out, 10c, 14sg, 18sz, but I am not interested in the 26. It have maybe 12-15 fasst receivers that I still use. It is a deal breaker to me to not support fasst. I have 6 receivers that are fasstest and are supported by the 26. I know I can keep using the 18 and use the 26 for the supposed newer receivers, but I have way too many planes I fly regularly that have receivers that are not supported by the new tx. The voice capability is nice, but they are just copying what spectrum has been already doing for years. Over here in the USA, spectrum makes life so easy with the bind and fly system, Futaba is losing customers, and at my club, they are not getting the guys new to rc, spectrum dominates that market. I still,have all my Futaba transmitters, probably couldn’t get much for them if I sold all of them to buy a 26, but then I would have to spend an equal,amount upgrading all my receivers. One thing you did not mention is how the programming works. Is it like programming the 18? I had a learning curve going from the 14 to the 18, but I like the 18 quite a bit better than the 14. I migrated as quick as possible off the 14 when I got the 18. I most likely would pull the trigger on the 26 if it supported fasst, but I see no circumstances that will motivate me to go to the 26 since all my fasst receivers would be essentially orphaned. I do not want to have two transmitters, I want just one transmitter to take to the field. In my opinion, Futaba is using this one last chance to keep their customer base and get the big revenue bump from the existing Futaba customers paying for the upgrade. This transmitter will not attract new customers. At times, I feel like a dinosaur at the club because I still use Futaba. They are not doing the things they need to do to stay relevant. Just my two cents.

[@MattTakharRC]

I don't disagree with you. By the way, the software on the T26 is pretty much exactly the same as your 18, so you would be fine.. if only it still supported FASST. Futaba should do a really good RX bundle deal, that would get people buying it!

[@cbcalhoun]

Why would they they go to a smaller screen. :| I will stick with the 18SZ for now. I put color covers on my switches for certain functions. Speech is not a show stopper for me.

[@MattTakharRC]

Greta idea with the colour covers. I’m guessing they went for a smaller screen to keep it different from the 32MZ. I can’t think of any other reason why. It’s a shame.

[@xtraflyr]

I was hoping it had voice recording. For rate switches and such. Or are those included in the pre made speech?

[@MattTakharRC]

From what I can tell it only has the built in voice recordings. I don’t think you can add you own. I’m going to come back to this feature to double check. Here are the built in recordings : facebook.com/share/p/EeytZqpgekV9NCP5/?mibextid=WC7FNe

[@sheko2000]

Spectrum 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@F333A]

Thanks Matt for the review. I have the Futaba 16SZ (the black one) and considering moveing up to the 26SZ. Just wanted to know if I can trasfer my models from the 16SZ to the 26SZ with an SD card. I think the 16Sz abd the 18SZ shares the same software. Thanks in advance.

[@MattTakharRC]

Hi, yes you can transfer from the 16SZ and 18SZ to the T26. The T26 will convert to the new format, which is shares with the 16SZ. However you can’t go backwards. You can’t go from T26SZ to T18. I will create a video showing this, soon!

[@F333A]

@@MattTakharRC Thank you very much

[@MattTakharRC]

No problem. I’m going to film the video on compatibility tonight. I’ll hopefully get it uploaded tonight or tomorrow morning.

[@MattTakharRC]

Hi. I just did a load of testing and am currently uploading the video. You can go from T16IZ to T26, but you can go backwards. The model gets converted and isn’t backwards compatible. Video will be out shortly.

[@E.Blackadder]

Is there anything the 26sz does that the 16iz super can not do except the top display?

[@74Rossco]

T26SZ has better/ stiffer gymbals, 2 extra trim switches (used for varying mixes in-flight generally), 2 extra rear sliders, Fasstest 26 Protocol.

[@SuperVideoCity]

Hi, you didn't talk about the 2nd screen on the 26, or I'm missing something? Wonder how good and flexible he's to display telemetry data or anything else?

[@MattTakharRC]

Hi. You’re right I haven’t done yet. It can only display telemetry or timers. I was going to talk about when I actually fly with the transmitter as I want to see how clear it is when you’re outside with the TX. I will cover it. Thanks for watching.

[@SuperVideoCity]

Thanks a lot. I'm interested to know if we can display at glance more than two sensors. I use temp, rpm and fuel, currently with IISI Cockpit (turbine heli). Also, I have a 18SZ and I bet my nice AHLtech carbon console wont fit, similar as with 16IZ? Thanks for theses reviews! Cheers.

[@MattTakharRC]

It looks like it can only display 3 lines of telemetry data OR the two timers. I posted some photos to my Facebook page for you. I’ll play with it a bit more when I get some time.

[@74Rossco]

@@MattTakharRC I've had a prototype for 3 months - the top screen is better outdoors than the 32mz top screen (I'm an F3B glider guider & use the disply for timers) it's easily visible through polarised glasses in full sun.

[@ClassicFIHD]

This is my current dilemma.

[@skyterrapin]

Futaba lost their way years ago….massively overpriced gear….too many protocols….lacking voice and features that Spektrum have as standard.

[@TonesAtTinwell]

Lacking all the stuff you don't need lol you stick to your gimmicks

[@skyterrapin]

@@TonesAtTinwell stick to your trains 😀