Been using Futaba for over 20 years on everything from airplanes, helis, to cars. No one can argue they are the leader in solid link reliability. I was heavily debating on picking up the 4PX, but because of the extreme cost when it was still $550, I ended up opting for the PLS due to the fact it had most all of the programming available as the more expensive unit for less than half the cost.
(Pros)
Futaba undeniable link reliability
It has just about every programming option you can imagine for tuning adjust-ability.
The screen is very sharp, back-lit very well, easy to navigate and set
Transmitter is moderately light and comfortable.
Batteries last a long time
Very affordable receivers
(Cons)
Feels a bit cheap in comparison to more expensive transmitters *(this is where the price point comes into play)
Lack of a few physical trigger adjustments. *(You can change tension, over-all pull length and brake end point)
All and all, this is a very good system you'll be hard pressed to match elsewhere for the money.
The only other unit I would even consider within this class range is the $90 more expensive Airtronics MT-4S for it's superior physical feel and slightly less latency factor. Either way you won't go wrong with this radio for the money.
I was ready for an upgrade in radio equipment after running some cheap Chinese stuff for a few years (FS GT3B). I needed to upgrade to something that was going to be faster, feature rich, ergonomically right, model memory, not break the bank and have receivers that are not crazy expensive. The 4PL delivers in spades. Man I am glad I bought this radio! I was considering the $100 model below this, but figured the extra ergonomic adjustability for wheel and trigger would be worth it at the higher price point. I was right. I love this radio. the speed is great, far less latency especially on the HIGH setting. The user interface is seamless after a couple rounds with the user menu, the receivers are cheap @ $40ish and the rf204e is even antenna less. this radio, for me, is just simply outstanding for 180 bones. actual on track performance took seconds off my lap times, and being marshalled at least 50% less. I can actually relax a bit more and just focus on driving my car with how connected I now feel. With the old radio I had to HYPER concentrate to just keep my car on the track and around corners. went from solid midpack and sometimes towards the front, to consistently challenging for podium spots. What a difference a great radio makes. This is going to be the last radio I buy for a very long time. for me Futaba knocked it out of the park with the 4PL. AWESOME.
I've been using this radio for the past 2 years. I race every weekend pretty much, outdoors and indoors competing against the fastest racers in Ohio and PA. If you're looking for an under $200 radio this is your best bet. Lighting fast, light, not large or bulky, has tons of adjustment and works great. It's a great upgrade for an intermediate, in fact... As a beginner racer it would be smarter to buy this right off the bat and skip the $100 Spectrum all together. You won't regret it. Only 1 downfall.. the joystick gets dust in it and starts to not function properly over time. Especially dusty outdoors. Im sure it's possible to clean, but i haven't tried.
Bought my first Futaba in 1989 it was a Magnum Jr for my Bolink Eliminator. Futaba it just the best. I never worry about my radio. Now that I have 4pls with a life battery, it stays charged forever. Menu is easy, has a comfortable weight and feel. Best radio in its class... NO SPECTRUM GLITCHES!!!!!!
I am 5'11" and weight 330lbs. The US army might say I am too big around for my height. Anyway, my fingers fit fine. The range is second to none. I had a receiver antenna pull out of one of my SB304 receivers and it still works perfect on the largest track I have ever raced. You can link 40 trucks to it, keep lap times with the push of your middle figure and adjust your car every bit as much as you can with the more expensive radio. That being said, if you plan to invest $30,000 into RC by running 2wd and 4wd 1/10th scale and 1/8th scale trucks and buggies and have some of each to play around with, the more expensive one would be better if only for the fact it doesn't have a breakable antenna on the radio. I like it.
I upgraded from a 3PL to this buying from a friend. If you have large fingers like me, go with the 3PL. I had to widen the trigger, well, ok, I broke it in two. But when I tire-glued it back together, I made it as open as the 3PL trigger (not interchangeable according to Futaba tech support). I then dremel'd the trigger stop to restore most of the reverse swing (overall I'm still missing 25% of reverse travel). I'm giving it only four stars for lack of out-of-the-box comfort and the learning curve. I also would have preferred an internal antenna like the 3PL as well.
Whoa !! This Radio is SICK, I quit racing almost 8-9 years ago & my Last radio was a JR Z-1 Pro with drop down steering kit and KO PROPO 2.4 module/receivers. This Radio in my opinion is shoulders above it in features and user display/controls. I haven't tried it out at the track, only breaking in my engine around the street but driver inputs feel instant and precise. The Manual is like a book from a bookstore ! It is thick and high quality plus it details all the features and adjustments, a little overwhelming at first.
Only thing i have noticed so far is the plastic used feels a little lower quality than my old JR (to reduce cost maybe?).
But as of right now I am loving it !!!
Bought this radio because the 4pk was being discontinued in favor of the 4pk. As people have said, futaba knows spectrum, and for half the price of the more expensive and elaborate 4px, the 4pl can hold its own. Great reception, has all the tuning of the higher end radio, but for a lesser price. Sure, it has a more toy like feel, (hence the cheaper price) but for comfort, light weight feel and great price, can't beat this radio. My daughter who is learning to walk has dropped this radio several times, stood on it, kicked it and slobbered all on the screen w no the seal tight and no problems.
I have used the 4pls for a year and a half on 7 different rc cars and trucks anything from 1/10 scale buggies ,2wd short course , 4wd short course , rock crawlers , 1/8 scale buggies and as small as a 1/16 scale revo vxl and summit vxl ! It does almost everything radio costing twice as much . it has all the adjustments I need for racing and bashing or crawling
And it tough as nails I have dropped it on concrete and on the ground several times and still works flawless everyone I let use it wants it or one like it. if I sold it I would buy another one like it ! It is comfortable in my hand and is better looking than most of the high dollar radios ! I'm a racer first and a basher second and this radio has made me a better driver because of all its adjustment I can dial in whatever I'm driving to the track conditions or whatever i I'm driving on. I LOVE IT !!!
