Question: Why Do Hobby RCs Cost So Much More Than Toy RCs?
Radio controlled vehicles you find at retail stores could cost over a hundred dollars but most are well under that price. Go to a hobby store that specializes in RC vehicles, however, and your RC purchase could put a serious dent in your wallet.
Answer: Most hobby RCs are of a professional grade, built to look and perform more like real cars, planes, and boats. Many hobby-grade RCs come as unassembled or partially assembled kits that you build from the ground up. They are more durable to withstand the bumps and crashes associated with high-speed racing and professional stunts. Because they are often build-your-own models, parts can be purchased separately and upgraded and customized more easily than toy-grade RC vehicles. The more durable parts and the complexity of the construction increase the manufacturing costs so hobby-grade RCs cost more to buy and to maintain.
Mass-market or toy-grade RCs are usually intended for children and beginners who aren't ready or able to invest in the radio controlled vehicles hobby at the intermediate or professional level.
