ORIGINAL: 92hatchattack
Can I really only spend $400 andget my foot into this hobby?
Yes. Technology and low cost labor in Asia have really brought the prices down. I messed with control line as a kid then got into RC in my early 20's but had to give it up before really doing much due to the high cost. When I revisited it in my mid-30's I found that the prices had really come down.
You can find an RTF glow powered trainer and be flying for under $500. Heck you can even get a little RTF electric park flyer for $150 that is a lot of fun. It gets more expensive from there though. You always want a newer, more capable airplane, more capable radio, new engine and so-on. Next thing you know you have a ton of money invested into the hobby. Some of the larger more sophisticated planes, especially jets, can cost in the tens of thousands. A guy just "sport" flying with simple airplanes though doesn't need to break the bank.
I always laugh when a friend scoffs at how much an airplane costs but the guy has a harley, a dirt bike a boat or whatever sitting in his garage.
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