It's because for years, they sold receivers with single pole antenna's and the range sucked. It wasn't until the past few years I was able to find an OEM spektrum cheap receiver ($30) that has a coaxial shielded antenna like every other company has. Now the range is great.
For many years I lived with driving inside a 75 yard circle. Then when I got a baja 5B, I realized how short 75 yards was. Then found the orange knock off receivers that had a coaxial antenna you could buy from China for $8 a piece. I ran those for a few years, but they seem to only last 6 months, then stop working. Then I found the
spektrum SR210 receiver and have been buying those as my orange ones die. They seem to last longer.
I've had many spektrum radios trying to find better range... don't know why I never gave up and went with something else. Bullheaded I guess. Also, I've always had 6+ vehicles, so buying receivers for all of them would be pricey if I went with futaba/airtronics at $60+ a receiver. Then again... I wouldn't have bought 3 or 4 versions of spektrum over the years either.
