When I got into planes (finally) I bought very cheap (mostly used) planes. I've got over 20 planes now and just bought my "best" most expensive one. $145 ARF so none of mine in RTF status are over about $200 and they are all electric.

I use cheap used chargers, cheap new/used batts and cheap radios and cheap electronics. All my tuff comes from Tower or HobbyKing. I'm not saying you should do this , but you asked what we do.

Probably as I grow and my models increase in size and value I will not be willing to use the cheap stuff anymore.

These are my most expensive two and the stick is ready to go except rx and batery. The 580 is NIB without any electronics.

http://www.electrifly.com/largeelectrics/gpma7500.html

http://www.electrifly.com/largeelectrics/gpma1573.html