Can a $700 radio pry me away? - Spektrum iXSR 

1 min start up ! Only 6 channels . Only 1 knob . No sliders One wheel no joy stick 700$ bendover price tag

I will stick with my 60 dollars flysky gt5. Atleast it knows how to rear steer lol

Nice first look with the limited information you had! Sad this radio priced itself out of any and all the competition.

It has potential, but definitely seems like a 1st gen product that needs a lot more development. The 60 second startup is wild.

Out of my proce range, gt5 works for me, and like 10 of them for 700

I couldn't crawl/comp with a $700 radio because I'm a klutz. I use two DX5C's now, but the MT12 w/ELRS at $150 may be where I end up

I really love my Radiolink RC8X more features, more range and a fraction of the cost.

The iXSR brings nothing but a touch screen. The RadioMaster MT12 is $130-150, I’d rather buy one of those and an SCX10 Pro kit. About the only thing Spektrum has going with it is not having to learn EdgeTX, and Bind-and-run compatibility with off-the-shelf Horizon Hobby RTRs, otherwise exactly 6 people building kits will buy this. Hell, I’ll just keep buying an FS-GT5 with each new kit so I can drive with friends.

I love my MT12! Hard to learn but it does what i need it to do.

My noble4 plus was only 400 and I love it. Don’t see that being worth another 300 on top of that. Big nope what were they thinking from me lol

I run a trusty noble NB4. Has tuns of tuneablity and really good range if needed. And it coast 230 noe but I paid 200 for it 3 years ago and still have no issues. So it's hard for me to see that a "updated name brand" radio is worth to me $700. Just my opion

Thank you for the honest review.

I like the radio and features but it feels like they don’t know their audience. In the last 30 years I’ve raced, bashed and crawl. I would not bash or crawl with a 700 radio (just me) I would have rather seen improvements to their dx5 ruggged, make it waterproof, add a knob or 2 for 4ws, add up to 7 channels. Add a bigger battery option. Make the price point 400 to 450 for the upgraded rugged and I would have bought it. Right now I just bought the mt12 and I’m really liking it and the price point.

$150 for an MT12....they know this right???? Not getting this.....

I had a DX6R. Was a cool radio but limited by the hardware inside. The OS was so sloppy and apps barely worked. When it worked it was cool, but my Futaba 4PM does all I need it too and more! It's so expensive to switch between mainstream brand RX/TX 😫

wow that is the best Spectrum can give you for a $700 radio come on Spektrum

thanks for pointing out things other yt do not.. its amazing how much info is left out elsewhere, especially on the cons. don't like reading/listening to reviews, then getting the item expecting it to work as foretold, then finding out, nope, it won't do that.

They are out of their god damn minds...

I feel this is a 300$ radio with a 400$ android phone bolted on it. I already have an android phone and would much rather just mount mine to it and save a ton of money. I would rather go with a Futaba for this kind of money. I also much prefer the Rugged Radios when using Spektrum specifically because they are tough and will survive my constant tripping over rocks. This thing looks like that screen wouldn't last long in that scenario.

I don't need android on my radio. I need a 4k camera and mosquito repellent.

700 for a radio, I can how some people would go for it. My dx4 is still doing fine, and I haven’t felt like I need to replace it yet

Not even for $400. Seems they are out of touch with the market, and how us crawler guys use 4ws. And they think think I'm gonna watch RU-vid on my radio? Lol. Thanks for the video as always.

We live in the era of micro chips and almighty SPEKTRUM gave it fan boys a "brick on a stick" for $700. I think that steering wheel is to close to the radio. Fat boys may have a difficulty reaching it😂. You get the lights!!!🎉

Not even on my radar having an MT12. Why Android? If radiolink can put a touchscreen on their own OS and give you more channels at $300, I don't see this as an option for anyone but diehard spektrum users.

As for adding apps. You can always run "Castle Link" or "HW Link" to set-up your ESCs. Or even a racing car set-up app.

You can get a Dumbo transmitter with a color screen, 11 channels, libo battery compat for under $80. It's not the greatest thing in the world, but it's really good for $80 with 11 channel receiver. Lots or other good radios for way less that will do what we need....BETTER. Nice first look vid!

The DX6R ended up being an absolute nightmare. This will be the same. 700 bucks for only 6 channels. I can't wait till I figure out how to get my MT12 to bind to my spektrum recivers. I'm so over spektrum.

As a current dx6r owner, hell no. This is garbage and is the exact same UI as the DX6r which is a disaster. Spektrum abandoned us DX6r owners, will not give them any more money. This is the HONEST review I was looking for, thanks Harley. You're the only one I've seen so far that isn't just talking this radio up without knowing anything about its predecessor, just so they can keep getting free garbage from Spektrum. Thanks man, subscribed. **Also, you need to set up "Drive Modes" to use a toggle button for your 4WS.

On my DX6R, If you turn the screen off while you are driving a vehicle, the battery will last for a very long time, just like a phone. I am disappointed that it is only 6 channels, and why does a 6 channel radio only come with a 5 channel receiver? 🤷🏻‍♂️

Is that a jackstand jimmy shirt? Hell yeah brother!

I will keep my Futaba, shame none of these companies give you a printed manual for that price point

no idea why i should ever get back to a closed ecosystem when there is edgetx - and the mt12 is a great radio.

Just moved over to the MT12 and I love it. I was used to the FPV world of EDGETX though, its got all the crazy programming I would want... and without all the extra crap - like an Android phone on my radio. I completely understand though, that EDGETX is going to kill off most people. I hope that Josh does a few videos on how to program EDGETX.

I wish you still did Futaba reviews and how to videos....

Still using and loving my 10ish year old futaba 4pls. It’s easy to use, the mixing on it works great, and now with the gt55 nano receivers working with it I love it. Sometimes I do wish it had a couple extra channels as it’s limited what I’ve wanted to do with a couple builds. I also sometimes wish the display worked differently especially with mixing but I definitely wouldn’t trade it for this thing. I like all my buttons, dials, switches, and knobs.

We went from “u got any games on ur fone?” To “u got any games on ur controller?” (Yes, that’s exactly how a 4th grader talks)

There are a lot of advantages to having full android. Running sound bars to control micro bluetooth speakers in a models is just one. But I prefer a stand alone device, as I wouldn't want android problems, it effect control. I'd rather have a radiolink rc8x and a 20 android burner phone. Plus its $500 cheaper

Wow... not even for 400

At $700, this puts it squarely into 10px and 7pxr territory. I have a 10px for racing but you can assign nearly any parameter to any of the buttons. I have assignments for steering speed (turn and return), others assigned to the timer so I know how long I've been practicing and a VR knob for adjusting ABS when I use it. Using it for a crawler would be great but I use inexpensive Radiolink receivers and an RC6 for those. Spektrum receivers aren't priced cheaper than Futaba ones, except maybe the 4G one. So someone buys the iXSR for the same price as the 10px and it has less channels and receivers that are similarly priced. The Futaba's are also grab and go for when you maybe missed the call to stage for a race. I have to agree with you, did they consult or work with anyone when developing this? Some missed opportunities and wild pricing when you compare it to the 10px, 7pxr, Sanwa's, and Noble

It seams like they were coming for the Noble pro plus but it misses the mark on price

Looks cool, but my Noble NB4 seems just as capable and a quarter of the price.

Regarding boot up. Coming from the air side. This is not as big of deal as you make it out to me. Use Sleep Like you do your phone's lock. You don't reboot your phone every time you pull it out of your pocket do you? This system is designed to work in and out of sleep mode when not in use. I shut my air radios down after a weekend of use and they stay in sleep when I'm out using them. this is intended to be used the same way.

700 for DSMR? I think anyone spending that much on a radio is going to want a faster protocol.

Well.. that should serve well as a “dust collector” - That be in the warehouse.. hope not too many dealers have a sealed pre-order on this.. To give you guys in the US a kick-back: Most country’s in Europe will add 20-25% tax on top of those $700.. add some additional cost too and we’re at above $1000 😬 So in short: No, a top of the line Futaba is considered a bargain in comparison..😳 And it has more channels..

If I was going to spend that much on a new radio, I think I would still go with Futaba.

Sweet now I can watch Josh's videos on my controller when Im standing there waiting for my turn at the next crawler obstacle.

Yeah, hard pass. A lot of options nobody really needs, especially if you have a crawler. This used to be an innovative company, now they're just experts in price gouging, in my opinion. Rather spend that on a new kit

Setting up 4-steer as simple as you did is quite amazing. Boot time feels like it may be a issue, but if it runs all day, you just power it on and leave it that way. Someone will code a way to disable the radio easily and there ya go.

My Flysky's and RadioMaster still win out. Spektrum's have always been a tough sell due to the lack of reliability I've encountered. Now, if Futaba did a high end like this, I'd look at it more seriously. Futabas have always done well for me. I just wish radio manufacturers would give us the same options they give airplanes.

I have noble pro I really like the touch screen and the ease of navigation.

I stay almost exclusively within the Spektrum ecosystem and right now my go-to transmitter for everything I own is the DX5 Pro. I do not feel like I need any functions beyond what that transmitter gives me, other than more channels. I think that companies that make transmitters are missing a big section of the market because they do not plan a line of upgrades for their flagship models. Imagine if we could upgrade and customize our favorite high-end transmitter the way we do our RC crawlers. They should be making things that are modular, replaceable and upgradeable, rather than trying to push tech boundaries. That transmitter has unusable apps pre-installed on it. Apps!?! Give me channel upgrades, battery upgrades, appearance upgrades, durability upgrades. How about a built-in speaker that plays mp3 files while you're out on the trail? Make it Bluetooth compatible, so I can use wireless ear buds. That's what I think anyway. : )

Agree with the 4 wheel steering issue. I brought that up a year ago with the DX5 pro. We cannot separately steer the rear wheels with those left and right buttons on the back or any other switch but I. So it forces you to use either Crab, 4 steer, front steer or rear steer. They need a thumb knob on the side for rear steer.

That boot up is a lot faster than my DX6R! The software looks exactly the same which I love. I will probably need to upgrade soon. There is no other radio that is as easy to program.

I definitely can see the versatility appeal. I myself have all types of rc. Not just crawling like this show predominantly is.

$700, lol.

I completely understand where you're coming from on the 4ws thing. I comp the small crawlers also, winters in Michigan get boring. But as for the 4ws, it is nice to keep it simple. I actually bought a flysky gt5. For some reason that radio just seems like it was designed for little crawlers. $700 is a lot of money. I think I will still go with the new noble.

just be honest Josh the new $700 Spektrum radio is a waste of money and review LOL

I'll stick with my radiolink plus cheap receivers.

Review was great thanks it's a neat toy 😊

The new noble is funny looking lol

When I see this I ask Why not just make a radio with a smartphone doc. We all have a smartphone that we upgrade pretty regularly. These companies could have the app that gives the device functionality. Could sell more for less and be more efficient.

With the ix radio… 4ws set three drive modes. Assign a trimmer button to the mode. Label 1 front. 2 rear. 3 crab. Go into steering setup scroll down to aws setting. Switch mode to front with the trimmer (shown top left of screen). Disable aws. Switch mode to rear make sure its enabled again. And set to opposed. Switch to crab mode and set to aws to crab.

I dont get why spektrum make 6 channels remote but only 5 channels receiver. I don't like the anesthetics of this remote there's not a lot of really good looking radio out there. I like how the DX6 Rugged look tho. I like this interface it looks easy to master. They should have went for 200 lumens at least for the flashlight. Either way always glad to see innovation in the RC world

4 years of development and they missed the mark for the crawler community

I am not an android fan. And as soon as you said that I was like no way. My biggest Problem is Dx6 battery charging . But I see there’s a plug in for the battery . After watching the video it does look good. I have 24 spectrum receivers plus motor ESC combos. So it’s not like I’m going to switch.

Futaba 10px just entered the chat lol

At $700 I don’t see them selling to anyone but the spektrum fanboys.There are way to many cheaper and better options

Also looks like same frame as my dx5 rugged. Didn’t think that one was comfortable. Used one day now collecting dust.

Good review Josh, its not something I would get but I think its a great option for others. Like button energized algorithmic map agitated.

Id rather check out the radiolink 8x

Running the furitek app right there would make things so much easier. But at $700 I’ll just stick with my phone on top whatever controller I’m using.

The age of $700 dollar radios ended when the MT12 came out. Hell even the Noble or RCX8 are a better value. Leave it to the giant corps to be like "Yes this radio is worth $700"

At that price and Android based I would expect a camera for stills and videi. But after seeing that flashlight nit having one may not be bad. I can see using my compass and trail apps being easier if displayed in the radio screen. Still, $700?

The big feature I'd like that doesn't work on the 5c is being able to assign AVC to the knob. I think that would be great. The price is ehh. They are competing with Futaba. Thanks for the great first look!

I feel like the flashlight makes it worth it

I have the DX6R and got it when it came out, watching this nothing much has changed so will I get one if mine is broken or can not be upgraded and I need more which as I do not race any longer probably not my DX6R was expensive when new, I am with you on the start up but have got in the habit of turning it on straight out the carry case. Also there are some good cheaper one's on the market now, like the Noble NB4+ I have also the Rlaarlo that comes with the MK07, I have a Yikong and the basic remote is all most will need also the Flysky with my EZDEX07, the Spektrum that comes with the Felony is good for fun use, I have a TRAXXAS UDR still on a TQi would change but that means doing something about still being able to change settings along with the tsm and Bluetooth.

Cheap radios became sooooo so good the last few years… This belongs in 2012… not in 2024. Android is a big miss imo, it makes for a slow radio for one. You can also mess the radio up by messing with Android itself. But man the main thing… it’s waaaay too expensive for what it is.

Yeah I think I'm going to stay with my noble, much more user friendly in my opinion

$700 for a 6 channel Spektrum😂 come on man really

They should have made a decking station for the DX6 Rug and a Bluetooth Adapter to mount into it

No lanyard in the box? Does it have a spot to clip one on? Anyway $1300 Australian dollars approximately I am never going to carry this unnecessary weight around for hours. I asked Matt for a drop test in water. You could give it a spill my drink on it test. Again thanks for the video.

Wow what a price tag! I think at $350 people would be more willing to try it Android didn't work for them last time hopefully they've made some strive and it works now. Also, with Radiomasters test MT12 going well i can only imagine a new model with even more features at a still reasonably price....

Can I order hoookers from the touch screen? Holy smokes that's steep. It would have to atleast be able to bind to all 100+ cars I have regardless of receiver brand installed. If it was capable of of running the car while filmed it might peak my interest.

700? Puts it dangerously close to a 10px…and I know which I’d pick. Anyone who’d buy this Tx probably also uses traxxas batteries and chargers. The “flashlight” and start up time are almost insulting.

I can't wait for the members only outtakes on this.

There’s a way to add the steering selection to a button in mixing. It’s not the most self explanatory way to do it, but it is possible. The interface looks the same as dx6r so I’d assume it to have the same functionality

Being an Android user, I appreciate the Android interface. Nice looking radio, looks like the menu is intuitive, tons of great features. Spektrum though, late to the game and nothing to seperate it from the crowd. I mean, you have radios like the MT12 that use software that has limitless possibilities and in a package that can be had for significantly less. Yeah, hard pass for me.

Can’t wait to be in an A main and get pop up adds on my radio…. Jk I never make it into the A mains 🤣🤣🤣

I bought a DDF-350 & receiver for under 60 bucks and it's crazy good. 10ch with 10 model memory is enough for me. 700🤔

Being a DX6R owner, yes - the one minute startup takes getting used to, but to its credit, the intent was to put the radio in sleep mode, which has always been instantaneous in use and have never had a problem with the battery lasting a full race day. If the new Android version is even more responsive and up to date (I never experienced issues, but I know other owners did), then I’m sure this is a suitable upgrade. That said, I feel like this radio is 3 years too late. The air line got two radios (iX12 and iX20) in the time that it has taken for this to come out, and I think it’s over-priced, considering the radios it’s competing with today. The DX6R sold for $500 when the 7PX sold for $600. I honestly think that this radio shouldn’t sell for more than $600 (at the high end of my estimate) if it wants to compete against the Futaba. So although I have and enjoyed the DX6R for what it was, I don’t think that for the same price as the 10PX I would upgrade to this.

A perfect 10 on the scale of “break the bank".

I have a dx6r which is the first generation to this. I’ve had it since 2017 and still going strong. Was $600 at the time which definitely was a lot, but considering it’s lasted me 7 years proves it’s value

Using the iX12 air radio for a time now. Start up time ? Just dont turn it off! Use the standby mode. 😊 playstore is handy for the apps of hobbywing or Powerbox and connect to your model via bluetooth.

well you can't load that RC Map app you keep bringing up on the news

They missed the mark, ExpressLRS is the go to now !!!

"I just want my radio to be a radio" says the guy with a radio that has PIC rails, a chapstick holder and multiple attachments. just giving you a hard time. This radio cost more than my entire collection, LOL

My current radio is a Spectrum DX5R, and there's a lot about the iXSR that I like. Touchscreen, ease of programming, built in battery. But that's about it. $700 for a flagship radio that is only 6 channels, even with those features is outrageous. I get why it's only 6 channel, since they don't make ground TX with more than that. So, yea. Can't get past that price point, gonna be a hard, hard pass on me unless I can catch it for like half off. edit - Oh, and no hard case? Yea, that's just one more thing for my hard pass list.

Funny my used DX4R Pro came in a nicer case for just $200 xD

Nice shirt. Is that your entry purchase for the latest cleetus giveaway? Stubby Ram TRX.

Everyone needs a nobel nb4+/pro+. The nb4+ seems at this point to be WAY better and it's 300 dollars. I can't imagine spending 700 on that brick. I love my pro so much I got an nb4+ for my wife who occasionally crawls with me