I think Futaba has a winner with this radio. I linked it to my 35% Comp/Arf 260 last weekend. I like using a airplane that is more replaceable than my 42% Daltons for a test bed. I must say this transmitter has a new feel that is unlike any other Futaba. It feels heavier and the gimbals are so smooth it keeps me from crowding into the other controls. The new chrome face plate is not a glare problem. I think this new radio will be the flagship for Futaba. Yes it needs a few refinements like being able to lock the screen without having to do it everytime you turn it on and perhaps some new programs.

Awesome radio... dont really have any criticism at all except for the pricing.

Originally Posted by Vapor Trails

Awesome radio... dont really have any criticism at all except for the pricing.

I have to agree with you, that is a lot of extra bucks for aluminum gimbals and a chrome face cover. I don't understand why Futaba got away from locking the screen until you decided to unlock it. I always disliked that feature on my T-18SZ, because my neck strap touched my screen on one occasion and disabled my rudder to rudder in the mixing menu.

Are you using one Bradley?

No, the cost is just too big a pill for me to swallow... but I see the attraction to the improved gimbals.

Having tried Jeti, Spektrum, Taranis, and Futaba flags throughout the last year or so, I am really satisfied with the 16sz and love the feel. Having said that, if it were a reasonable cost to upgrade gimbals, I would likely make the jump.

Originally Posted by Vapor Trails

No, the cost is just too big a pill for me to swallow... but I see the attraction to the improved gimbals.

Having tried Jeti, Spektrum, Taranis, and Futaba flags throughout the last year or so, I am really satisfied with the 16sz and love the feel. Having said that, if it were a reasonable cost to upgrade gimbals, I would likely make the jump.

I don't think Futaba will sell those gimbals for upgrading existing radios. I recall reading something about Futaba will not replace any damaged aluminum gimbals on their new T-18SZ 70th Anniversary transmitter. I have a T-18SZ as a backup radio and would also like to upgrade it to aluminum gimbals.

I sincerely doubt we will see these gimbals being available as an replacement for the regular 18SZ gimbals.

I have not had a chance to feel these new gimbals. I need another radio like I need a divorce right now so I'll have to hope I run into someone with one.

I've been comparing gimbals lately too - I've found the upgrade Taranis (hall effect) gimbals to be on par with my 18SZ which are my favorites - the Taranis has a slightly better range of adjustment. I'd absolutely love an upgrade to the 16SZ gimbals, They aren't exactly bad, but when you swap back and forth they really stand out. I'd really like to see the aluminum gimbals as an upgrade too, but I think Judge is right, Futaba doesn't roll that way.

Originally Posted by Desertrat

I've been comparing gimbals lately too - I've found the upgrade Taranis (hall effect) gimbals to be on par with my 18SZ which are my favorites - the Taranis has a slightly better range of adjustment. I'd absolutely love an upgrade to the 16SZ gimbals, They aren't exactly bad, but when you swap back and forth they really stand out. I'd really like to see the aluminum gimbals as an upgrade too, but I think Judge is right, Futaba doesn't roll that way.

Futaba has priced the new 70th Anniversary SZ with the aluminum gimbals $1000.00 more than the non-anniversary SZ. I can tell you it is well worth the additional cost. The aluminum gimbals blow away all other Futaba gimbals even the ones on the T-18MZ. I fly IMAC and with this new transmitter I have a advantage.

Go. Away. Jeti. TROLL!!

I can call Dominos Pizza and order a pizza for 12.99 if I wanted something that resembles a pizza box!

Better yet ZB, send me your top of the line Jeti radio system to demo. I want to see if it feels better than my 18mz. I’ll give it a fair shake.

My dad flies Jeti, loves the hell out of em. When I fly his models I use his radios. As such I feel like I HAVE given jeti a fair shake. I would gladly pay 18MZ price for a standard 18sz, then use Jeti for free.

It boggles the mind how you continue to undo the good PR work that Manny and Danny do for Jeti by being....yourself.

A.J.

Originally Posted by George Silva

Futaba has priced the new 70th Anniversary SZ with the aluminum gimbals $1000.00 more than the non-anniversary SZ. I can tell you it is well worth the additional cost. The aluminum gimbals blow away all other Futaba gimbals even the ones on the T-18MZ. I fly IMAC and with this new transmitter I have a advantage.

Personally, I dont see it, but thats me. 1k is a lot of cheddar to spend on an aluminum gimbal assembly which we can assume houses the same pots - but I really dont want to get into the whole hall effect debate.


Glad you like them - and if you think they were worth it, that is really all that matters.


Oh, and FWIW, the gimbals on the normal 18SZ are the same as the 18MZ.