HL route with DBC is about $220.
$130 Tank has radio and battery
$90 for DBC


Tamiya $715

$500
Radio $100
IR apple $75
Tank Battery $30

Also up grade on a Tamiya's are not free. Daryll Turner this and Impact that, aren't free and shouldn't be ignored. The number I quickly through together above are for bare bones IR ready Tanks. If you just want to battle in the HL world you don't even need the DBC. The DBC just allows you to play with Tamiya. If you have no interest in that you can leave that cost out. This little fact should not be ignored when discussing getting your feet wet with IR battling. Two stock HL IR tanks can be battling in someones backyard $130/tank This is a hobby in it's infancy. There is no reason HL only clubs might just start forming as the fact is you can have an IR battling tank for $140 all in, if you don't car about being Tamiya compatible.

The fact you need two to tango should be factored into this.