Originally Posted by
CafeenMan
I learned a long time ago that if all I can afford is to go "minimum" on any part of a project then I really can't afford the project.
I don't agree with that at all. Not everyone wants a super scale, high end, $10k Jet. Not to mention, guys in this end of the hobby go overboard on basic set-up's. Guys will spend $500 on an iGyro, when it will fly without it. They will spend $300~$500 on a power board, with regulators... and it's not needed. They will spend +$200 on digital air valves, when a $15 one will work
Yes, the engines are expensive, but that doesn't mean that you have to spend $100 each for Ti gear, digital servos, when $10 metal gear, analog will work. AND... more importantly... still be safe.
Personally... I like turbines, but I'm a sport flyer at hart. All of my stuff was built on a budget. (used airframes, used engines, inexpensive servos, etc) The jet I built to get my waiver on was flown on a 7ch radio, with A LOT of Y-harnesses. It was flying for around $1200.
To the OP:
Since the DX9 came out... you can find great deals on the JR 9's. (9303 or 9503) Also... some guys just don't like the DX18, and I have been seeing them for under $600 in the used market.