Why is the M8 so popular?

[Raimond Bogerd]

It's way more expensive than a Lynx 3D and even more expensive than a mars-1. Why does everybody choose the M8? Is it the large display? I want really want to know. :confused:

[bullfrog]

its packed with TONS of features and the screen helps a little too. ;)

[Hairball]

Well, its also so popular becuase its got the biggest support in hobby shops, and Airtronics pays some pro level drivers to use them, so they get a lot of publicity.

[Raimond Bogerd]

Ok, but the 3D and mars also have lots of features and cost less. I believe the mars has even more features than the M8.
Still the price difference is huge
3D 459,-
mars 659,-
M8 795,-
(in Dutch Guilders)

[HauntedMyst]

It's also just a great radio. I tried chizzlers last weekend. It's a great solid feeling radio and not much heavier then my XR-3 and it's more comfortable. I'm not sure I'd buy one since it's about double my XR-3 here in the states but the more I get into racing and understand what the features do, the more I can see using them.

[DerekB]

The difference between the radios isn't that big here in the states. It's full of features, extremely comfortable, and you can figure out how to use it without instructions.

[mmmoy782]

well here's a question...where online would i find the cheapest price for the pistol of the M8 alone??? does anyone know? cuz i know tower is $185..does anyone know anyplace cheaper for the pistol alone....thanks

[chizzler]

all the radios are actually priced about the same that you mentioned, that is, if you buy the radio alone....
when you start buying the package deal, EX:servos, receivers, etc, then the prices start going up :D

the lynx and m8 ALONE are the same price though.......

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: chizzler ]

[very low budget racer]

M8 is like 185.99 but without crystals or reciever, lynx 3d is 195.99 with reciever crystals and TX battery.

[Interceptor]

The Lynx 3D is really nice. It is actually more radio than I will ever need. The thing that sold me on it was the rechargeble batteries and charger and like a 6 model memory.

[losifastguy]

becuse its the shiznit i had my m8 for about 3 months and my driving has pick up and im faster then ever also they take the most abuse i seen on guy throw his gt and his m8 about 15 feet onto the track becuse he was pissed at the car becuse it wasnt workingg right these sponcered guy make me laugh and it still works with no problem wow!!

[Jwelch]

wut?!!! Must be a relative of bryceums....

[Jason_R]

The M8 fits my hand like a glove. I like the way it feels, and how the controls respond. As for features it has just the right amout for me. This is why i waited and shopped around for a M8 and picked one up for $195, new with everything accept servos. So far a great investment.

[KilRuf]

I love my M8. Works great. I would only get one though if you plan on being in the hobby and understand what each adjustment/function does. Like someone stated above, it does nothing to a person who's car isn't set up right. But if it is, then yes it can help out. Of course NO radio will help out in that instance, not just the M8. It helps though. I use the lap timer alot when I practice and also the 10 model memory to store all my setting and cars. 3 models for my T3, 3 for my Yokomo touring car, and 3 for my Street Weapon. But as far as why "I" chose it... well I love the way it looks. It had a nice big readable screen (as compared to the Futaba 3PJS that I was gonna buy). It's a Sanwa (good quality). And it had all the functions I was looking for. It just comes down to what you need and what you like (styling, looks, quality, blah blah blah). My M8 was an upgrade from a Futaba Magnum Junior. Works great!! Me likes! :D

Mike

[StephenB]

Since I bought my M8 almost 3 years ago, I'll never go back to another radio. It's balanced, fits my hand well (some radios are just too small), and it's very easy to use. I also run a Futaba 3PDF, and it's extremely nice as well, but given a choice, I'll choose the M8 every time.

Here's a tip for all of you w/M8's:

Buy some high capacity NiMh rechargable AA cells for the transmitter. It's the best ~$30 you'll ever spend---running an entire day's races at the track on a single charge w/plenty of juice to spare is no problem. Say goodbye to alkalines AND Nicads...NiMh is the way to go for transmitters. You can find the batteries at Home Depot stores or hardware stores if you LHS doesn't carry them.

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: StephenB ]

[jetfan]

I think that these are more just eye candy.You can only make so many adjustments from your radio.And overall what good are they when your car isn't set up right.Ultimatly changing your servo speed,delay or reaction is useless from the radio if your car handles like a wet roller skate with a engine.I do just fine with my jr and its not even fm.I will upgrade to a xr3 and thats it.Leave all those fancy adjustments for the airplanes and the bigger screens for the people with bad eyesight. :D

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: jetfan ]

[qua77ro]

I think it's mainly word of mouth. At the club races our store hosts twice a month, you will almost NEVER find an M8 or Lynx 3D radio out there. Either stock airtronics, KO Mars EX-1, or JR R-1's, along with XR3's, 3PDF's. Personally I don't like the M or the Lynx 3D. Something about how they feel just doesn't convey quality to me. But all radios work, some seem to work better than others. I run a Mars these days(had a JR XR3) and as far as glitching, I have had NONE. I know about 9 other guys who use the Mars out here at the races, and an equal amount with R-1's.

[kyosho]

I would like to clarify why Futaba went with the small screen route is because they felt it's easier on the battery. In other words have the battery last longer.

[KilRuf]

I think you can also buy those NiMh batts at Walmart too. Mine were Nicads, but are about used up. So my next investment are those NiMh batts. Right now been using Alki's. My energizers been running 6h09m and still has juice left to race. Hmmm damn, would like to have that new M8 though with the backlit screen! :D

Mike

[ 09-15-2001: Message edited by: KilRuf ]

[KilRuf]

Well just got back from Wal-Mart and bought some NiMh AA batteries. Got 8 for about $24. They are the Rayovac ones at 1300mah. I didn't know that they also have 1600mah til I got home and looked at the website hehe. I'll get those later. Anyways, they also had Energizer NiMh but only rated at 1200mah. Plus they cost more. All I gots ta do is hook them up to my IntelliPeak Digital Charger and presto! Sweet!! :)

Mike

[Tiggs1]

Great Post Superfly....however IMO, I find the Futaba to be much better in the ergonomics dept. It is however, a bit challenging to learn how to use. Ease of use, along with the great price is why I think the M8 get so much attention.

[superfly]

I have had a few radios-A JR XR-2, a Futaba 3PDF, an Airtronics Blazer, and I currently have a Futaba 3 PJS PCM radio, and an M8.

My favorite radio is the M8. I love the way it feels-great balance. The radio is super simple to use. There is one frustrating part about it, however. If you race two classes, like mod sedan, and spec 19 Nastruck, you have two different dual rate settings. On the M8 the dual rate is set for each model on the screen, but it is in relation to the position of the dual rate adjustment wheel, which has stops. The problem occurs when you change the D/R during the race with the wheel in one car, you change the D/R in another car, without it even being up on the screen.
The other annoying thing about the M8 is that it is not available in a PCM version. They have the technology in their airplane radios, so why not in surface radios?

The Futaba is the best all around radio, even though it is not my favorite. It doesn't have the same great feel, and it is a pain to learn how to use, but put those two problems aside and it's awesome. I use it for my Mugen MBX-4XR, and my Losi XXX-NT. PCM signal insures that I will never have a glitch, and the response is lightning quick. Awesome radio, but the price just went up a little while ago.

So, if you're going to buy a radio, get the M8. It's about $269 with Tx, Rx, servos and x-tals. That's better than $369 for the Futaba, and over $400 for the R-1. The lack of PCM is not worth the hundred bucks, unless you're one of those people (like one of my best friends) with endless glitching problems.

[BlackWolf]

Because most people can't afford a JR Propo R1.

[Raimond Bogerd]

I have a Multiplex profi car and it works great.:cool:

[Coconut]

Personally I have a R1 and think it is over rate especially the price. I bought mine before JR required that all dealers charge a certain price for their products;but I guess that how they paid some of pro recers to use it. The M8 has a great reputation. I just bought a Futuba PCM and really like its feel. They all good radios. Personally I've found hitec servos do not center very well after buying several.