ORIGINAL: TonyF
Case in point. Thunderpower Pro Lite V2 10s 5000maH 20C packs - $379.99. Those are older technology cells. I don't know how much longer they will continue to make them. Maybe forever. Practically no one else in the high-performance electric world is hanging on to the older 20C cells. I sure know helicopters haven't!
Current Thunderpower Pro Power G4 10S 5000 maH 45C packs - $469.99. A price increase with newer, improved technology. Better power, better life-cycles, ability to charge at 2C, 3C or more. Lower operating temperature. Make good power even when cold.
With a fixed set of rules maturation of technology in pattern has always caused a price increase. Is there a specific reason to think electric will be different?
The difference between the current draw and need for higher "C" packs in a helicopter, especially one doing 3D, and a pattern plane is like comparing apples to jelly beans....they're both sweet, tasty and have sugars in them but that is pretty much where it ends.
Any battery pack from a manufacturer in the same mAh and cell configuration will cost more as the "C" rating goes up...it is the same as saying 30% nitro fuel costs more than 15%.
The maturation of technology you mention does give me pause, and I am curious as I did take a 15 year break from RC. When and how did a lack of rule change cause costs to escalate? I know of the displacement increase, but I do not know of a point where the rules did not change and the costs increased not related to inflation. Again, I am asking in earnest, as I was busy playing with other toys for a good number of years.