What are the options for synthesized systems out there?

[k_sw31]

What are all the options for the synthesized systems out there?

So far I know that the M8, Hitec Agressor, 3D lynx and XS3 are available with the crystal free method.

Are there any other systems I have missed? Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with the systems out there?

Has any one tried the agressor from hitec?

Since I am gonna get a lot more into racing, I figure I eventually should look into a synthesized system, rather than stocking up on crystals. Right now I am leaning towards the XS3, since it looks like a good price for 240$. Plus I have heard awesome things about their radios. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
-Kyle

[TRF Drive Hard]

IMHO, i have the xs3... best darn investment since my 04-trf... no glitches, easy friendly programming... cant go wrong... jr radios have done me good;)

[tekrsq]

I've used the 3D Spectra/ XXtra combo for some time now without any problems. My son has been using the XS3 system for several months without any problems. Both are excellent systems, but I think the XS3 has a better "feel" in your hand. Either way, I think you'll be happy with either system.

[ViperStrike]

I'm very happy with my XS3
Its a great buy.

[TEM]

I think synthesized radios are a little over rated. Yeah it's nice, but is it really worth it? I carry 2 different frequencies with me and I've NEVER gotten to a point where I had to wait for someone to get off the track. Even during a race they will announce if so and so could switch to their alternate frequency. I'd rather take the money and opt for a better system. I'm not against them, but find the benefit doesn't justify the extra cost.

[k_sw31]

TEM I can sorta see your point there. But, I can see the advantage that they have over regular crystals. Say for example last weekend, racing there was about 3-4 different people on the same channel (including me). This was pretty annoying, because during practice I would keep trying to get a good line down, but someone on the same frequency would need to turn their radio on for a split second to tune something. This came to be quite annoying. Also, since I am sorta already in the market for a good mid to high end radio, I figure I might as well go for the synthesized stuff, since I will be racing a lot more.

[PCC]

At a not-so-local track, they put frequency clips out for you to use. On a race day, people would pocket the clips so that no one else could use that frequency and if you do you're wrong for using the frequency without the clip. I had three different frequencies with me and couldn't get track time because all three were pocketed (I asked the announcer to call those frequencies but no one stepped forward to give their clip up, all the way until the final A-Main of the day). There were frequencies available, but I did not have them. With my new radio (3PK with Spectra module) I can select any frequency without worrying about having the crystals or not.

[OldskoolGT]

The XS3 is a great radio. IMHO it could be priced even higher and it would still be a decent value. It doesn't have the high end "feel" of more expensive radios, but the radio has a lot of high end features (3rd channel mixing, exponential). The only features it is lacking is servo speed control and ABS/Traction control, which are features I never use on my radios that do have it.

[TEM]

Remember you would also need to buy a spectra receiver to have all the frequencies. And those can get expensive if you run multiple cars. Well if you can afford it, there is no problem with that. I just think for value wise, might be better off dumping more money on the radio system. Having people steal the frequency clip, etc; you are just hanging with the wrong crowd. And it's also easy to spot out who has them when they go up to the drivers stand! Stuff like that constitute as cheating and should not be tolerated at any track! And those guys that turn on their radio in the pits with no consideration for others should be hunted down and thrown out!

You know; if they can come up with personal transponders with no conflicts; we can all have radios with no conflicts; but then again, multiple receivers can be a problem.. just a little food for thought....

The JR's don't feel cheap at all. I've had XR2, XR3 and now the R1PRO. They all feel good. For example, have you ever compared the plastic on a XR3 compared to an MX3?, the XR3 feels much stiffer! And the new JRs are even better with the addition of expos and timer. Thus far, I find the feel of the R1 totally unbeatable(though I must say different people have different hands). It is however way overpriced in my mind.

[OldskoolGT]

TEM,

The "high end feel" I am refering too is like the way your R-1 feels in your hands compared to cheaper radios. High end radios feel more substantial (heavier) and almost all have dropped wheels for better ergonomics. That is what I mean by high end feel. The XS3 does not feel like a expensive radio in this respect.

[TSR6]

Originally posted by PCC
At a not-so-local track, they put frequency clips out for you to use. On a race day, people would pocket the clips so that no one else could use that frequency and if you do you're wrong for using the frequency without the clip. I had three different frequencies with me and couldn't get track time because all three were pocketed (I asked the announcer to call those frequencies but no one stepped forward to give their clip up, all the way until the final A-Main of the day). There were frequencies available, but I did not have them. With my new radio (3PK with Spectra module) I can select any frequency without worrying about having the crystals or not.

Seen that happen before. Normally they shutdown practice until all clips are returned. Once all clips are returned, its open track again..

clip pocket'ers suck..