Futaba 4PK 2.4G FASST System

For a limited time, Futaba is offering a trade-up program for those who want to upgrade their old radio systems to the new Futaba FASST series of radios.

The FASST system radios feature Continuous Channel Shifting™ which shifts the frequency of the radios hundreds of times per second to avoid conflicts and interruptions, Pre-Vision™ which scans incoming data for errors, Dual Antenna Diversity™ which allows the system to switch between the two antennas to pick the one with the best signal automatically, Easy Link™ which allows you to sync your radio and your receiver at the push of one button.

The radios look pretty sweet, so I did a bit of research on the Trade-Up program to see what it’s all about.

The Scoop on the Trade-Up Program

• You must purchase a Futaba FASST system between July 1st and October 31st, 2009
• Your old radio shippment must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2009
• The program allows trade-ups for other brand systems as well, such as Airtronics, Hitec, JR, KO Propo, MultiPlex, Spektrum and of course old Futaba radios as well
• Radio’s that come with RTR kits are not eligible
• Trade-Up Certificates can be used for future Futaba purchases, so this is not a rebate program where they send you check
• 4PK Systems get a $75 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PK (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3VCS (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PM (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3GR-FS (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• Full details on the program are available here.

So if you’re upgrading from an old 27, 75 MHz radio system to the new Futaba 4PK system (Approx. $400) you could get a $50 trade-up certificate for your old radio.  That’s not bad but you do have to factor in the shipping costs of sending in your radio to Futaba.

If it ends up costing you $30 to ship your old radio, then you’re in effect only getting $20 for your old radio.  You may be able to sell it for more cash than that on eBay or Craigs List or something.  This is especially true for the lower end $15 certificates, as you could easily pay that much just for shipping your old radio system in.

So, if you’re thinking of buying one of the new Futaba FASST radio systems it might be worth to check into their Trade-Up program but just remember to factor in your shipping costs into the equation.

For full program details check out this link:

Futaba Trade-Up Program Details