I have a Microair and 296. The Microair has a mixed record for reliability and noise in the intercom. Good ones are good, bad ones....... The Beckers and Filsers seem to be better. The 296 is fine - but do try the unit, accessing some of the functions takes some learning. My transponder is the compact Becker C - excellent unit. The three of these are considerably cheaper (and lighter) (and easier to use) than the 430.