Spektrum iXSR Review - Best RC Radio Transmitter?

[@5280Recreation]

I’ve had mine since it came out. It’s a phenomenal transmitter. I have it bound to 20+ RCs ranging from bashers to race rigs. Separate AVC throttle and steering is great for my RCs that have it. It feels like 100-150 too high but I’d buy it again.

[@baymobbrcclub7426]

Is it really that good?

[@5280Recreation]

@@baymobbrcclub7426Yep, it’s that good. I don’t power it off all day long at the tracks, just sleep between runs. Then power it off at the end of the day. People crying about boot time are morons without a clue how us RC plane people have done this for years on much more complex radios.

[@cjchannel12RC]

Nice to see another video review of this beast of a transmitter and i am interested in buying one someday. I had an RC8X which in my opinion promised more than it could deliver and it is where Radiolink fell from grace from ignoring issues users had including me and they sensor\delete posts talking about issues everyone has with their product on Facebook. I know Google and Spektrum have their faults and strengths but i have pretty much run out of options at this point. And my use case involves mostly speedrunning, bashing and racing i also like to use some sort of gyro\stability control and finally and this radio floats my boat. Thanks again for honest review Razor i always liked your videos and i'm sorry for my tangent.

[@laylow9927]

I have been running/racing r/c cars since I was a kid (approximately 40 years) One of my favorite transmitters is the JR XR3 FM of which I own about 6.. I also have the Futaba Magnum PCM FM and a older JR ALPINA FM PCM. I have a lot of vintage cars and trucks (23) that I display but run occasionally which is why I have these vintage transmitters. I also own about 7 cars that I race. My preference for Spektrum as my "race remote" started when I got A brand new ARRMA Infraction V2 RTR with a $10 raffle ticket at a r/c car event in Washington DC. I was really impressed by the telemetry functions, so I upgraded to a DX6R and absolutely love this transmitter!! I must have got a good one because I never had the issues that a lot of other DX6r owners have mentioned. I do keep the blue tooth and wifi off unless downloading something to it. I also bought a DX5r and I like this one as well as but use it more for a backup. I got my IXSR in August and it is very nice!! It is very similar to the DX6r in terms of the software with Launch Control and LED lights added. All 3 transmitters (IXSR, DX6R, DX5R) have a 250 model memory. The extra buttons are pretty much all in the same place. The hall effect mechanism for steering and throttle makes a world of difference between the IXSR and the DX6R. In using the IXSR I have noticed that if you use the custom throttle ramps and drive modes and switch drive modes while in the throttle setting it completely trashes the ramp and could cause your vehicle to take off on its own based on the"0' point moving from its normal place. This should be addressed as the DX6R has the ability to switch curves with drive modes on the fly while in settings.

[@marlonlopez1525]

As usual, great Review! I still use my DX4r Pro in some of my race buggies and stadium trucks. Besides the weight, it’s pretty much a Bullit proof Radio for me. I’ve had this Radio for about 8-9 years.😊

[@GreatLakesRC]

Always appreciate your radio reviews. This is a race radio to me. No way I can justify the price when there are other options on the market for half the price that will do everything a basher needs.

[@vivos71]

I guess I’ve been one of the lucky few that hasn’t had any issues with my DX6R, I like this radio, but especially in canada it is well over $1000. The biggest issue with this radio in mu opinion is the existence of pretty much every other touch screen radio costing a good bit less.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

I have been a happy user of Spektrum for a long time, for both air and surface... My son and I both race with DX5 Pro radios, and we love them. People often tell my son he should get a "good" radio, then he goes out on track and smokes em most of the time...lol The radio definitely isn't holding him back. I don't want a touch screen, so I'm hoping that there is eventually an update for the 5 Pro ... I don't want a touch screen for numerous reasons , battery life being one... One thing that I found odd in reviews of this radio, is that it takes a long time to boot up, like turning on a cell phone, and to me that is a HUGE deal breaker for race days.... your video is the first one i have seen to mention sleep mode... it's also odd that you note needing 2 channel for the 5.5ms mode, I'm going to check but I am fairly certain that our DX5 Pro radios bind at 5.5ms even with the 3ch recievers we use in nitros... basically ANY of the DSMR recievers ... You mentioning the sleep mode makes me want to take another look at this radio... I've been using Spektrum since I pre-ordered a DX6i for airplanes and then pre-ordered a DX3s , both many years ago, close to 2 decades... Cheers

[@RazorRC]

The DX5 Pro is definitely a world-level radio, Dakotah Phend placed 2nd at the World's 4 years ago with it. I have a feeling they will come out with a DX6 Pro. I spent a lot of time talking about "sleep" mode because I think a lot of other reviewers really don't get how this radio is supposed to be used. You can use other receivers in 5.5ms, but you can't use more than two channels on them. I'm pretty sure channels 3+ will do nothing if you run at 5.5ms.

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

​@@RazorRC, any chance you can check to see if they will still power a transponder... We don't actually use more than 2 channels for racing, just throttle and steering, but we DO use the batt port for the reciever pack, and the 3rd channel is just powering the Mylaps transponder.... as long as it works for that and still at 5.5ms, I'd be fine with that ... the only things we use more than 2channels for actual controls of things are not for racing, things like crawlers and such. Cheers and thanks again for all of the videos!

[@RazorRC]

@@isaiahfurrow7414 there’s no difference in how the receivers work between the DX5 Pro, and the iXSR. Signal won’t do anything for channels 3+ in 5.5ms mode, but the +/- lines are still active.

[@metalrc]

I have this radio and do really like it ! I haven’t raced for years now but when I did I used Futaba and kopropo and I have been missing that feel of a top of the line radio . I have been using the Ixsr in my bashers and crawlers and it makes the driving experience a bit nicer as far as price this radio isn’t for everybody just like Futaba sanwa and kopropo all have expensive radios in the same price range .

[@mattster197]

OMG thats an awfully high price for such a big chunk of plastic. I have the FLYSKY Noble NB4 and it has it all. Metal construction, touch screen, metal protection. Two batteries with lower battery can be used to power my camera. Gold. That thing looks like plastic blob. And Flysky 1/3 the price!!! wt w!

[@Abbie_rc]

Can you use it for smart battery ect

[@SIRICKO]

Better than the m17 ?

[@benniullrich2237]

Perfect review as every video from you, thanks. What do ypu think for a whole rc fleet about the iXSR compared to Futabas T10PX Potless and Nobles NB4+? Cheers

[@RazorRC]

I haven't used the T10PX, so can't comment on that. I use my Spektrum radio in all my Horizon cars, because they already have Spektrum receivers in them. To be honest with you, I don't use NB4+ much, but it's a very good radio.

[@cancelthefuture]

I'm confused why you bind it as SR215 when there's an SR315 two channel only option? Does that option not unlock the 5ms? If not why did they even include it?

[@rcbreakdown3066]

Is there any way to connect a steering wheel and pedals to this radio? I've got my eye on the flysky nb4 pro plus for this reason but if this radio can do it I'll get this instead as I would not look forward to changing out all my spectrum receivers.

[@GarageLifeRC]

I kinda thought the finger spot was small too. I don’t k ow how big hand people will use it comfortably.

[@JIPPERR_1]

For the price it should be the best, but it's still spektrum, so it's definitly not.

[@theAessaya]

This radio, like DX5 and DX6 before it, can only do 5.5ms frames in two channel mode. If you want more, you'll be stuck with the slower 11ms (90Hz) mode. Meanwhile Noble NB4+ and other radios in the same $300 range can do 2.6-3.2ms frames on up to 8 channels no problem (312-380Hz). This is by far the largest drawback of this radio. What this radio _does_ have, however, and I am not sure if you even mentioned it, is hall effect sensors for throttle and steering. This means there is absolutely no potentiometer drift nor wear nor anything. That would be my only reason to buy this thing, TBH.

[@cancelthefuture]

NB4+ has a 2 channel locked fast mode for the 3ms speed as well

[@theAessaya]

@@cancelthefuture NB4/NB4+ does this naturally without 2 channels mode.

[@LetsGoRCn]

Excellent review sir 🫡. 250 models is insane! I love my futaba 10px but, I think this IXSR will be in my collection soon. Not a fan of the android os though 😂

[@vacatedbroom6237]

Not saying it's garbage, I just haven't had very good luck with spektrum except for an old dx3 I have.. their servos I would never recommend

[@RazorRC]

I'm not a fan of their 23t servos, but their 25t are pretty good now

[@IISG93II]

This radio isn't it. It's about 350 too much for what it is.

[@RazorRC]

I wish they had priced it lower, I think they would get more customers (obviously). But I think the main advantage of Spektrum is for someone who has a lot of Arrma/Axial/Losi cars. I have 10+ cars that came with Spektrum receivers, and I can use them all with this radio (or DX5 Pro or whatever). To convert them all over to another high-end radio would cost $350 in receivers alone.

[@richardsak887]

Why is it over priced for what it is? Not being an ass just don’t know. Looks nice.

[@RazorRC]

@@richardsak887 IMO, it's basically a $350 android phone and a $350 high-performance radio combined into one unit. Android for the front-end UI, the radio for the back-end transmitter and physical controls.

[@richardsak887]

@@RazorRC thank you

[@BlairW66]

You could run them all on a MT12 for hundreds less and also have a more capable radio

[@rcbreakdown3066]

The hall effect sensors are the difference your feeling.

[@mikefontenot5313]

It always the best whatever on the channel best car best bashed best radio best speed run it always the best .

[@extec101]

Well he might not be that big of a YT yet that he can afford to say things is garbage and kill it like kevin 😮

[@RazorRC]

That’s because this channel is… 😅. There’s a question mark because that’s what we are trying to answer. And really, the algorithm likes having it in the title. At the end of the day, worry less about a question and watch the content and decide for yourself.

[@extec101]

@@RazorRC glad you answer trutfully, its for the algoritm. 👍

[@RazorRC]

@@extec101 I can say whatever I want because this channel isn't my job and I don't need to make money at it.

[@extec101]

@@RazorRC cool.

[@boduke9428]

I've had really good luck with Spektrum stuff and I'm also not a radio snob. Aside from how they feel i can't tell a difference between any of them. Aside from Traxxas who's radio still looks like it's 1997 most any rtr is good enough for the average person. If I'm gonna drop $700 on a radio it's gonna come with a car bound to it, lol.

[@RazorRC]

I'm not a radio snob, I use Sanwa, Futaba, Flysky, Spektrum, and yes Traxxas radios. All of my cars are split up depending on what type and brand they are. But I can tell the difference in performance.

[@bigdogroc]

I'm still bitter about how spektrum left us dx6r owners hanging... I'll consider this radio after a few years of it proving itself.

[@RodThibault-qe4hu]

Razor will this replace mt44? For racing?

[@RazorRC]

For indoor 1/10, I have too many Sanwa receivers already 😀. But for outdoor 1/8 nitro, I think this will be my radio of choice. I used the DX5 Pro previously.

[@toolbaggers]

Do any pro drivers use Spektrum? Willfully?

[@extec101]

Nope they gone for noble that works just as good as a sanwa m17 or futaba t10

[@RazorRC]

@@extec101 the Noble is a good radio, but these racers are getting paid a lot of money to run them as well.

[@extec101]

@@RazorRC can agree they get payed to use noble, ryan harris resently made a video and told that he dident got payed and still thinks the noble is just as good as sanwa, My own experience with m17 and t10px vs nobel is that i cand feel any specific differance in terms of latency or that steering etc feels wierd on any of them. The other hand i got a flysky gt5 for my slash and a futaba 3pv for the buggy and those are miles appart where i can feel the laggy transmition from the gt5. Trx radios is the most horrible i feelt compared to the gt5 they lag eaven more.

[@bombpoprc2023]

Imo the NB4 flysky snd radiomaster mt12 is still at the top for me

[@RazorRC]

The Radiomaster needs a revision or two (and support for more common protocols), then I think they would have something pretty serious. Until then, it's more a radio for FPV quad guys.

[@jasonjordan4977]

So it's a smart phone radio? Why?

[@michaelclarke4629]

I have a dx6r, no fucking way I would spend my money on a spectrum product. The best radio on the market right now is 300 dollars and under

[@jerryvolpini7987]

I really think Spektrum missed the boat with this radio. Some Spektrum faithful might snap them up but how do you compete with Futaba and Sanwa? Don't get me wrong, GREAT looking radio, fantastic ergonomics and based on performance, features and ease of use, worth every penny of its $700 price tag (despite what the haters say). BUT (and its a big BUT) at that price range you're putting it up there with other high end radios and I see absolutely NOTHING to recommend this over the aforementioned Futaba or Sanwa. And, with an increasingly large market of performance radios in the $200-$300 range, this radio is just not going to compete. As for Spektrum's fascination with putting a tablet in my hands, couldn't care less. Convenient sure but when you factor in the lengthy boot up time and glitches known to plague these systems, this radio just holds no interest for me. Another fantastic review, always look forward to your videos 👍

[@RazorRC]

IMO, the person who is going to want a high-end Spektrum is someone who has a lot of Horizon cars. That's me. 🤣 There's no way I'm going to swap out all of my receivers to another brand when I already have super-fast Spektrum receivers in the cars already.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@RazorRC Exactly my point 😉🙂

[@bigbuckoramma]

It is SHOCKING to me, that in 2024, in a sea of things like the NB4, and the latest from Sanwa and Futaba...that this....THING...is the direction that Horizon Hobby decided to go with their Industrial Design, Ergonomics, and Functionality. Which can all be summed up with the same word..."Brick". Shameful this thing costs as much as other TOTL radios, but looks like a SciFi Toy from a kids cartoon in the mid 80's. And not in a good way.

[@toolbaggers]

Spektrum loves forcing you to buy optional features. Nobody's going to use their transmitter to watch KZbin videos after the novelty wears out. Spending money on gimmicks is a waste.

[@deshuesador21]

Muy caro! Con ese dinero compras un futaba 7pxr

[@barbedwirerat661]

What do you say about the overall build quality of the iXSR? My impression from pictures/videos is that for a $700 radio, while perhaps sleeker than other Spektrum surface radios and full of nice tech (love the screen), overall build quality does not seem to be what one should expect in a radio of that price point. Still looks clunky, lacking in style, industrial design, and attention to detail. Just kind of seems like a mid-quality plastic housing bolted around some nice electronics. I feel the same way about my DX5 Pro...overall I like the DX5 Pro and the value proposition when it comes to purching Horizon RTRs, but Spektrum really skimped on some quality aspects. Also I had a look inside my DX5 Pro after turning an adjustment screw too far as it was seeming to have little effect on the tension (causing some parts on the inside to come apart) and the build of the mechanicals inside left a lot to be desired. It reminds me of '90s era GM vehicles LOL (I have had a few!).

[@RazorRC]

It's similar to the DX5 Pro, maybe a little better.