Review: Spektrum DX8 and DSMX

Is the DX8 and the new DSMX 2.4GHz RC system from Spektrum as good as they claim?
I put the DX8 and DSMX to the test in order to find out.
Is this a radio you can trust your RC plane or RC helicopter to?

[@GadgetMart]

Bruce, whilst I think this is a great review - fair & honest. You have done a lot of damage to Spektrum as a brand, indirectly mainly. The majority of people in life are 'sheep' followers of the crowd and incapable of independent thought. "I fly FrSky because RCModel Reviews says its better" etc. You said it yourself in your latest video, if you praise a product sales go through the roof. I have been flying 20 years, I used Futaba 35 MHz and more recently Spektrum DSM2 (shock/horror) and now DSMX. I have not had a single glitch/crash or brown out since moving to 2.4 GHz. Spektrum products are excellent in my experience, and I trust them with large potentially lethal RC helicopters. The range of Spektrum equipment is way further than any line of sight pilot would ever need.

[@Crazylogie]

I have had my dx8 now for a few months and I love it ZERO issues

[@jimmbbo]

Bruce wasn't alone on the lack of side "flappy" switches... The DX9 added slider switches on both sides as he suggested... Would be interested in his review of the DX9

[@MrKleenexDude]

I'm glad you get into such great detail. Now I have to go back and watch all of your videos. Thanks for the review!

[@Raptor50aus]

I've been using a DX6i for 4 years with no problems at all. with heli's and planes and quadcopters.

[@TheEPROM9]

Just picked one of these up. Got a nice deal on it to as it is an old model. Sadly not had an opportunity to get anything up in the air with it but my personal impressions are good, feels nice in the hands, I can reach the switches without having to release the control sticks. It felt a lot nicer than some of the cheaper options available as I was able to play with them.

[@giorgiovecchio1784]

Fully agree with the previous comments. I have a 6i, and I appreciate all your comments. Thanks

[@wilfru1]

well,ive had the radio about a month or more now using it everyday,,i have to say i found it a little daunting to say the least,,meaning that there are certainally a few problems, but once i figured out what they were i started to enjoy using it,there are some really good vids on you tube about the inhearant problems of this radio,pls look at the vids people before you condem this radio,i must admit im still using the dx6i also,but the dx8 it does do what spectrum claims and is in my opinion a great radio,very detailed instruction manual ,it one we can understand not half chineese

[@timmarfil]

Have used Skektrum for many years both surface and air and have never had a problem.

[@RCBuzzboy]

Great review! I have been considering buying this radio for larger planes I want to fly. I agree with you about having to take your thumb off the stick to lower the landing gear/flaps, also the expensive receivers! I'm leaning more to Hitec now.

[@jeffie8696]

I just got a nice DX4E with DMSX . I experienced a lockout while using an Orange receiver, it is back at Horizon for the recall now.

[@Tendo8002]

really enjoy your reviews and you can proudly say that you are honest in your reviews, I would really like to see different manufacturers send their stuff o you, as you mentioned in previous weekly updates, that is a true testament that you have faith in your products. Thanks again, hope everything is as well as it can be

[@kiwibob72]

Nice 'honest' review there .... as while you point out 'personal' areas you don't like (ie lack of side paddles), you are open about the areas that are really good on the radio, which IMO is all we can really ask for. Thanks for posting this!!

[@GNaranjoN]

The sliders in my aurora 9 I use them for my big gliders, Camber/normal (centered)/ and reflex.

[@paulsheather7657]

thanks mate for doing that review. my old JR X9 just died. and I was looking at one of these.

[@BluSky1]

Picked up one of these DSMX radio it is Great hardware, no more getting shot down =)

[@greerengineering]

Why no mention of the telemetry features? I'm curious about how much band usage goes towards that versus control of the aircraft. Great review!

[@mark675]

well ive been using mine 5 times a week for all them years, 450 and 700 helis and allsorts of planes and not one problem, even had a wot4 foam-e up to over 3000ft no problem there either

[@svareter42]

a very nice review Bruce, you did it again -thanks -sticking with my FF9 on the 35mHz band

[@davidmitchell988]

Nice video Bruce,as to the DX8 here in the UK there asking anywhere from £200 to £300. That is expensive so I will stick to my 9X.Great review you are the only person I know of who tests equipment properly.Keep up the good work all the best David.

[@AussieJarred]

now we have to wait for orange rx dsmx!!! now then it would be complete! good review! thankyou

[@kamaljadidyaval9015]

Dear Bruce, I'm still waiting for your FrSky DIY on Turnigy 9XR. I've already ordered and waiting for your video to start the job once I've received them.

[@RyanNX211]

The official word is that DSMX is only necessary if you fly in environments like Joe Nall or huge indoor events. This week at Muncie, we had 4 crashes with AR500 receivers when total control was lost, AFTER QUALIFYING FOR THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONTEST BY TYING FOR 1ST PLACE in each event Flights were made in DSM2 even though on the last crash I loaned out my upgraded DX8. (backwards compatibility) If Spek would acknowledge there were more reasons for the switch, I wouldn't be looking at others

[@mrfourtysevenman]

I've been using mine for almost 8 years. Sent it in for repair five times But its still a good radio

[@M-H433]

They are a very good radio Justin I have 1 to.

[@pottera00]

Thanks Bruce. You're a gentleman and a scholar :)

[@EZRIDER327]

First of all THANK YOU for the great reviews you do. What model power supply are you using in this video? I really like that one

[@PHeMoX]

@RCModelReviews Thanks, I stand corrected then. Just wanted to check as their website doesn't quite seem to mention it.

[@garrrbo]

I think one of the best things about this radio is that you can download the setups for all of the newer models from Horizon at there site and tons of setups from friends. You did not say anything about that and I think it is what makes this radio the one I bought.

[@HallmarkAust]

My first choice of radio (I'm a beginner) was Futaba 10CG. Why? Recommended and the detail for programming. I bought a Phoenix Simulator with a DX5e and it is ok, so I spent $76 on a AR6000 Rx and used it for my AXN. Then I bought a T-34 RTF that came with a DX6i and AR6210 Rx. It seems good and I have not had any issues. I will not buy the DX8 because I like the Futaba for high end flying, but this was a fair and good review, thanks Bruce. PS: Hey Spektrum, Grumpy old men tell it how it is! :o)

[@svareter42]

a very nice review Bruce, you did it again -thanks -sticking with my FF9 on the 35mHz band It's has the SLIDERS, and i love them :)

[@Chio_OB]

I love my dx6i and have had no problems, but the sprektrum stuff aint cheap, I would love this DX8 but no way can I afford it! Great Vid.

[@montanaharkin]

Should invest in an ArduPilot for some Return To Launch capability on signal loss, works great and allows testing of range very easily.

[@PHeMoX]

Hahaha, excellent stuff. Good to see Spektrum is stepping up their game with DSMX. But still no frequency hopping system though? They also boldly claim on their website the DSM2 is supposed to be a 'wideband' signal. I'd love to see you test their "3 times the range" of other (narrow-band) radios claim by the way!!!! Cheers

[@hyperon4]

Great videos bruce!!!.. please hurry with Hitec Aurora9 review. been waiting for months now!. keep up the good work!

[@trevorice6499]

Hi Bruce , can you get your hot little hands on a Spektrum DX9, to do a review on. Im getting back into R/C after a few years, & looking at Spektrum DX9 for my scale models

[@MultiSniper70]

your right i think people are droping them and smashing them about which damages the internal workings which are delicate i want the dx18 chanels ok i wont need all these chanels but i like the design of the radio it looks much better bigger screen aswell makes it easy to read

[@xlovegroovex]

My friend just purchased a DX8/AR8000 DSMX (against my advice) to use in his AXN floater for FPV. He has a 400mW 1.3GHz video transmitter and he has had dropouts and crashed at distances of less than 250m. I'm using the FrSky system on one of my FPV models with a 800mW 1.3GHz video tx and have achieved about 1km with no signs of control lockouts. There must be something with Spektrum receivers that make then useless for FPV and I think it's nothing to do with how they use the frequency spectrum

[@markraptor50]

hi i own one of these and mine works with the orange recievers also there are cheaper rec at giantshark and robotbirds been using them a while and have had no issues.

[@LowCostCncRetrofits]

Well Ive heard good and bad with spektrum however I started out with a dx5e in 2007 then went to a plain old dx6i which I have had ever since. Its a basic radio but have never had any lockouts or un-binding even when used with the $12 ebay DSM2 8ch copy receivers My models include helis to planes all electric of course so cannot comment on glow?

[@bijosnehaify]

Hi Sir can you please review Spektrum Dx9 radio will be a grate help for all Rc guys

[@27isanum]

Great review

[@pavcon]

My DX8 still working flawlessly.. even trust myTurbine Jet with it.. truth is I sent it back for the gimbal mod but that was it.

[@KennethElstonBAK]

I'm n the US and just starting the R/C hobby; I want 2 start with helis and planes, I found your channel while researching the best type of radio 2 get. So what radio do u suggest 4 a newbie who wants a radio that I can grow into? I don't want 2 end up with a bunch of radios all over the place. I want a few good ones that I can use with just about anything. Funds is not a problem but I dont want to break the bank or spend a lot of money for a hobby that I may end up not liking thanks in advance

[@Mangotropic]

The only flappy petals I ever needed was to drive a friends 599 ferrari :D But it was a good review nevertheless.

[@Metal-Possum]

2 minutes and 50 seconds of "No flappy bits on the side". The Turnigy 9x also doesn't have flappy bits... I don't see how the price of the radio should dictate such an "important" function, given that the $60 radio also has the obligatory 2 sticks, and more channels.

[@sc400pilot]

ive added a video response if it is permitted but it is the DX8 with a micro AR6115 reciver on a small ar drone 2.0 and you will see how impressive and how far it flys i have done RC my whole life and was highly and solely sold on futaba, but as i got into radios again i heard alot of chatter about specktrum and got the DX8 and was amazed for a newer model and its abilites i give it a 5 star rating and have seen owners of 12,000 dollar jets and 10.000 dollar octokotpters trusting the DX8 IM Sold

[@gfdfperte4248]

I just updated the DX8 to the 3.02 Firmware and now I have the option to run Li LON Batterys. I love the Li Lon I get 8.6 volts from two of them in series and can use them untill they draw down to around 3.5 volts each to be safe or 7v. They are only 45g per battery for a 2200 mah battery and the newer LiLon are in the 3300 to 4000 mah range. Sir do you know the amp draw on the DX8 I cannot find it any place. the reason I ask is I would like to know how long the 2200 mah battery will last, so if i draw 100 mah I will get close to 20 hours if 200 i will get close to 10 hours just wondering. Thanks CFI

[@tankshermanator]

Bruce, will the DX8 work with the Hobby King Orange RX (We all love Hobby King don't we :o)

[@BigDuke6ixx]

The DX8 is perfect for BnF stuff like the Carbon Cub, UM Stryker and the MQx, which is what I bought one for, but you'd be mad to pay the inflated Rx prices for other stuff.

[@gfdfperte4248]

Where can I check to see if my DX8 has a recall.

[@EgyptianEagle2012]

Hi, I appreciate if you have any reviews on the JR 12X DSMX

[@gfdfperte4248]

I have a DX8 that I bought a long time ago should I scrap it and get a better radio? I really want to get into Quads and not sure I trust Spekturm DX8 any more. What say you guys. O it is a DSMX radio but do not know what that means. I think I got it in 2009 or 2010 Thank to all.

[@roachcoachhelis6387]

Gfdf Perte That is A very good radio you have , it will work great for flying your quad , I know I do it all the time with fpv & 7 different quads !

[@andrewsrcplanesrcfun3765]

I use a dx8 find it great switches are great as t fly with my thumb's

[@Medarr1]

Spektrum and Futaba are some of the best and most expensive transmitters in the hobby.

[@rcrotorfreak]

Medarr Amarr THen you haven't used Frsky Taranis. LOL

[@Medarr1]

That is correct mate is it any good? since i'm in the market for a new TX

[@MultiSniper70]

smashing them about will make a radio lose signal these are hitec equipment which does not need to be thrown around the place or you will break the internals

[@just4playin1]

Myself & Everyone I know who has used Spektrum for FPV has crashed due to lockouts and we weren't more than 500 meters away. Spektrum radios are good for park flyers but FPV requires a radio with strong power & solid frequencies. Turnigy 9X & Futaba radios are awesome, using those now. JR are good too, but seriously over priced. Looks like Spektrum is finally getting with the program, but as a pilot who has picked up the pieces of many expensive aircraft I would say it's a little to late.

[@FlyingMerlion]

Then what do you have to say about DSMX in this issue?

[@evanforst7272]

Love the videos, but seriously. The little flaps are annoying. I can see why you like them. But every radio is not going to have them. Get used to it. Like I said, love the videos and keep up the good work

[@cloakedp]

Ahh you know you hit a nerve when they have to resort to names. Nice Review.

[@tankshermanator]

@RCModelReviews I just use the 6 channel HK recievers. Only thing that will keep me with Spektrum. Don't want to have to buy a heap of new RX's Makes the change over to a different system that much more expensive :o)

[@artashworth1271]

So is Taranis XD9 a better transmitter?

[@happyhappyhappyshing]

can u change power setting on dx8???

[@nelsonromero8906]

I love your reviews, really. Is it possible for you to review the new DX7 Gen 2? I was about to buy a Taranis Plus, THE FEATURES OF THAT RADIO ARE MIND BOGGLING, AMAZING! But apparentaly their wizard screen is not functional for helicopters...meaning the icon is there but it wont allow you to select it. I also found out that their helicopter screen is very limited for programming. it seems to me like its a better radio for planes and UAV. So I was thinking the DX7 Gen 2. And your opinion does matter to me, great review! Thanks!

[@search4truth616]

"Old man who does not know anything." LOL. In another year you will be adding them to your waiting list for reviews. :)

[@jcer93705]

What is called the software you use to analyze 2.4ghz?

[@vanepico]

horizon sent a member of my club two DSMX receivers to say sorry for a rather large crash he had, they didn't point out that his dx6i would require an update for it to work on dsmx, i feel a bit betrayed with spektrum but I'm also fed up with futaba for their lack of cheap fasst receivers. It seems that we are being forced to pay a premium for a device that barely operates effectively.

[@AceMcMoron]

To ease the pain of the lacking the paddles on the sides, maybe it should be noted that you can program flap delay. IMO, the primary reason for getting Spektrum gear is their ultra micro BnF stuff. The UMX Beast is my all-time favorite. Makes advanced RC-flying possible in a 15min break :))

[@roachcoachhelis6387]

I like mine but you are right about the price of the receivers , that is why I try to get them from e bay !

[@just4playin1]

@RCModelReviews Yes I agree completely. Maybe this new system will prove to be worth a damn, but there are so many good inexpensive radios out there that are cheaper and work just as good or better. As for you being a grumpy old man? Those companies just don't like the fact that you call it as you see it and any company that has a problem with honest detailed product reviews should be avoided. Thanks for keeping it real ;-)

[@theimacman]

I can operate all the switches on my DX8 without taking my fingers off the sticks (and I'm a pincher).

[@richardhall9500]

Mate, the first thing I noticed was you had the throttle on the wrong side. I think you should start off explaining Mode 1 and Mode 2. You take a long time to get started on showing how to set your plane up. People making videos don't understand viewers like to get down to it straight away and not interested in all the pre-amble. Keep it short and sweet and straight to the point. Love the Kiwi accent though and I guess you guys fly that mode in NZ. Up the All Blacks though.

[@MatHolliday]

@RCModelReviews I think, an AR500

[@jcer93705]

@RCModelReviews Thank you very much.

[@jamesmorfison2008]

I trust my DX8 Transmitter with my $8000.00 dollars worth of equipment for the last 3 year's

[@ctsteve1967]

He did mention the recalls... review the video

[@wilfru1]

not sure of this radio yet,lost a quad the other day signal gone,,quad totaled dont know if its the radio hmmm,,never had a prob with dx6 ,,i get concerned when i read some peoples comments of losing there models also,,have only had this radio about 10 days

[@Metal-Possum]

I'm not sure about Spektrum at all. They seem to have a name for themselves, and a good portion of the market share, but why? I've not yet found somebody who really sold the product to me, it seems that for chinese manufacturing they're quite expensive given the other options available, and the quality seems to be a placebo based on price. Those who are not in favour of the brand always seem to have something intelligent to say... I have seen this exact same fanbase in other products for other things, notably cycling, where Manitou suspension forks are favoured for an unexplainable reason. Oh, and Samsung anything :P

[@RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus Hello?? I said out, not up. lol restrictions. I routinely fly over 1000m away and over 300m up. I have also flown 1000m out and 1m off the ground. With a Dx6i I was restricted to 500m out and had enough glitches that I will never fly one again and I can't even bring myself to sell it to anyone because I feel it's crap. You're happy with it, fine. I wish you continued success

[@kz4506]

hi well done , hav ebeen using the dx7se and had no problems with 6 helis on channels its perfect 9 volts on a worn battery gives me a days flying and out of sight signal with the ar 7200 is a plus i have looked at the dx8 , but why change , it has more features to aid the pilot and a good case wit hthe rubber grip , good review many thanks

[@MatHolliday]

@BichoManjaleu no i am not an "anti-spektrum" some of there stuff is cool. But I don't trust them. I've found that Futaba is much better... at least at binding.

[@ctsteve1967]

Good Job

[@Raptor50aus]

@RCcunuk Well that's easy since my club has a casa height restriction of 200m Unless I was flying FPV I would not be flying normally at 500m Hello ?? The only aircraft that fly that high are 30% and 50% IMAC Gas planes which can still be seen that high.

[@209cynical]

spektrum is really for heli pilots

[@jc-dv4zk]

Thanks again Bruce ! :) Eric from Mn

[@mark675]

bollocks, ive been using my dx7 for about 5-6yrs with not a single problem or crash due to the radio, brilliant for the price

[@mrfourtysevenman]

Hopefully they make a radio that will respond when you yell STOP FUCKING VIBRATING AND BEEPING because mine sure doesnt

[@jeffie8696]

Mine worked, sort of, with the cheapest Orange receiver.

[@TwoCherriesIns]

Fantastic review...

[@2007crf450r]

my taranis has almost 1000 feet longer range than my dx9 range on spektrum is crap

[@GadgetMart]

Have you had the power output of your Taranis tested? You may be using an illegal set.

[@gfdfperte4248]

Is the Taranis a better radio? I would love to have more Distance for long Quad film flights. Thanks

[@GadgetMart]

Gfdf Perte The Taranis isn't a better radio. The DX8 is excellent for CP helicopters, however the Taranis does happen to be (probably) the best long range FPV radio - if that's your cup of tea. I wouldn't recommend a Taranis for a beginner however, programming it is far more complex than Spektrum.

[@gfdfperte4248]

***** Thanks Gadget, what would your thoughts be then. What is the best I can buy today. Thanks

[@gfdfperte4248]

how can I boost the range on the DX8 Does any one perform this service, or at least check to see if the out put is to the US market out put. Thanks

[@single_man_in_a_bongo]

i lost my maxthrust riot in to a 200 foot dive streight in to the ground thats due to dsm2

[@blinkguy4ever]

There's a lot of fan boys here. Futuba or spektrum? ?? Both systems are good. I use spektrum cause I started with hh planes. Dx4. Dx5. Dx6. Dx8. Dx9. Never ever had a problem before. Does it means is perfect? No it does. Not. Does it means is better than futaba? No it does not. It just means it's a good system. It seems like the Dx8 came out with real issues. Cause lots of people complanied. All those TX are already update and fixed long time ago. I got lucky and bought mine when they were already fixed. So shut up your fan boy mouth and fly whatever you like. I've seen pros flying spektrum and pros flying futaba or something else. So come on now

[@jackdaniels7913]

I own one myself from yesteryear and yes they are way overpriced for there name brand... it's a good radio but overall the cost of outfitting your fleet is so expensive in the long run... I'm going Horus for my next high end radio $500 up fount & +or- $20 for a receiver that's top of its class, yes pleas! So much better then the $60-$90 for a comparable spektrum receiver I've payed to much for to long especially for no RSSI! So 😭 sad.

[@jackdaniels7913]

Finaly got my frsky and ofcourse I went with the hours x10s 16ch! And it's so nice the whole thing is night and day I loaded it with opentx and what an incredible system you can change and customize everything! And the receivers are still some of the cheapest priced on the market and out preform almost everything out there on the 2.4ghz band not to mention you can use the module bay to expand it in every way I picked up the dm9 module to run my old overpriced spektrum gear and a tbs crossfire to run long range it's the best investment I think I've made to date other then finding armattan quads that is lol 🍻 cheers!

[@GmailUnited]

hi Bruce

[@RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus fly out past 500m and tell me how happy you are with your Dx6i. I had one with a AR6000 Rx and won't touch Spectrum with a 40 foot pole

[@Raptor50aus]

Unless you fly large Gas planes yes

[@cod4madass]

we had a jet meet at our local club and 4 big models crashed that day and they were ALL on spektrum. everyone else including me and my father were using fasst and no problems. try putting a dx7/dx7se on an oscilloscope and look at the noise in the transmission. Bad radio. cheaply made. horrible to program.

[@RCcunuk]

@Raptor50aus I do

[@cenabitednbfpv587]

I have one it's AMAZING never had a brown out and just got a 9 so hmu if u need one it's been a CHAMP

[@Raptor50aus]

Who the hell flys R/C planes normally at 1640 feet (500M)?? What a stupid comment

[@bowmaaker]

lol you are a grumpy old fart!! jk. wheres my flappy paddles ?? heres my review real quick..i had the 6 dx for years and loved it and it never failed me and was so happy with it i went and bought a dx7s and it is awesome and i think its pretty much the same as the dx 8 . so you cant go wrong with it as a heli radio probly the best and it comes with the receiver so 300 bucks it s reasonable . Cant speak for planes or gliders or fpv but for heli s i would nt run anything else!! cheers!

[@DarrenFollows]

worst spektrum radio ever! got rid of mine, lost 2 good models because of this radio and know of 6 other members of our club who have lost models too! i strongly recommend you do not buy this radio! I have always used spektrum radio gear and will continue to do so but would never trust the dx8! get the old dx7 if you want a good tx! nuf luv!