[Espeefan]

I guess it's personal preference, as to what you like, but pistol grip type radios just don't have enough channels (most of the time) for the semi trucks. If there was a 12 channel pistol grip radio out there, I think I'd actually prefer to use that to drive a truck vs. a stick radio. I'm just used to driving ground models with them. I've flown planes and helicopters, so it's not as though I am not used to stick radios. Pistol grip radios just feel better in the hand to me, for ground vehicles, but since a radio like that doesn't exist, I run a stick radio instead. For a piece of construction equipment, I am sure a stick radio will feel more natural.

Most of the 6 channel and up stick radios have 3 position toggle switches, which work great for 3 speed transmissions. It's not just a pistol grip radio feature, though more are starting to have 3 position switches now too. Some higher end stick radios have even more then one 3 position toggle switch, which can be really useful for other model functions.

I wouldn't steer you to any specific brand. There are lots of good ones out there, but I will just say buy something good, and don't be afraid to spend the money, if you intend to stick to this hobby for a while. RC electronics and radio gear is a good investment for the hobby. You'll always have them, even if you sell a model off later, so get something you can grow with, as opposed to buying something cheap.