for you rc flyers, my soon to be new toy

[Sol75]

What kind of investment are you looking at for something like this? A fully-upgraded EF-16 for someone starting out as a noob?

do NOT.. let me say this again.. do NOT try to start with an EF-16 as a first RC plane (noob).  You will fail.  You will crash, likely within seconds of launching.. if you even get it airborne.  Get a trainer.  High wing, gentle, and get with someone who knows what they are doing to help teach you.  Something like these:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/super-cub-s-rtf-with-safe-trade-technology-HBZ8100

or this if you want something a little larger

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/apprentice-s-15e-rtf-with-safe-trade-technology-EFL3100

[Skyyr]

do NOT.. let me say this again.. do NOT try to start with an EF-16 as a first RC plane (noob).  You will fail.  You will crash, likely within seconds of launching.. if you even get it airborne.  Get a trainer.  High wing, gentle, and get with someone who knows what they are doing to help teach you.  Something like these:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/super-cub-s-rtf-with-safe-trade-technology-HBZ8100

or this if you want something a little larger

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/apprentice-s-15e-rtf-with-safe-trade-technology-EFL3100

Thank you for the concern, but my question wasn't about flying that aircraft as a first aircraft; the question was how much of a total cost investment is one looking at to play at that level? For example, one might claim that Aces High is only $15, but when one factors in the need for a PC to run the game, joystick, etc., you're looking at hundreds of dollars, not just $15/month. This was a similar question.

[Sol75]

Ah, sorry.. an EF-16 w/ full upgrades is pretty cheap really.. a few hundred... That is one of the coolest things about the R/C hobby, fun can be had at all level sof investment.. I have aircraft that I have a couple hundred in, all the way to an F/A-18 Turbine, with close to 10 grand in that one.. a few hundred for the EF-16 is assuming a pretty basic radio, if you were planning to do anything more than a plane or 2, you would want a higher end radio. 

If you are talking JUST the aircraft, without a radio.. id say 200-250 would get you there. (with upgraded equipment)  be well under 200 with the standard equipment.

[Skyguns MKII]

What kind of investment are you looking at for something like this? A fully-upgraded EF-16 for someone starting out as a noob?

Not recommended... i have had several planes with years of experience not to mention crashes are inedible (just more common the more you fly). hell i crashed into a tree just today and had to run home and grab a telescope pole to get it down. I mean i you want to get a 250-500+ $$$ plane i cant stop you but the pain of seeing it crash is is just gonna hurt you more and the laughter at you by your peers will be louder. If any of you fly at a rc airfield you know what im talking about. start off with a trainer, get comfy, and THEN invest more time and money gradually. my 2 cents...       

[Skyguns MKII]

all the way to an F/A-18 Turbine, with close to 10 grand in that one..

If you are talking JUST the aircraft, without a radio.. id say 200-250 would get you there. (with upgraded equipment)  be well under 200 with the standard equipment.

you                            

                                                                                                    
your f/a 18 With a just as expensive aerial sign      ---------------------$$$$$$$$WHO NEEDS A GIRL$$$$$$$$    

that's some dedication right there                                                                   

[Sol75]

LOL I'm married.. and my wife thinks I am nuts.. well.. maybe I am... 

[Skyguns MKII]

LOL I'm married.. and my wife thinks I am nuts.. well.. maybe I am...  

 ---------------------$$$$$$$$SHE DOESNT GET IT$$$$$$$$