Methodology & transparency
The follow-up-cost traffic light is a deliberate orientation, not an exact measurement. It is calculated from the model data by fixed rules – not assigned by hand. Here's exactly how.
The three traffic-light bars
1. Purchase
The plain purchase price of the model. Under €130 = low, up to €400 = medium, above = high. Informational – deliberately not counted into the follow-up costs.
2. Battery & charger
Energy follow-up costs. Points for: missing battery, missing charger, brushless (pricier LiPos needed) and drones/FPV (high battery wear). 0 = low, 1–2 = medium, 3+ = high.
3. Spare parts & upgrades
Repair and tuning follow-up costs. Points for: poorer spare-part availability, brushless, kits, crash-prone categories (heli, drone/FPV) and large scales (1:8 and up). 0 = low, 1–2 = medium, 3+ = high.
The overall follow-up-cost traffic light
It combines only "battery & charger" + "spare parts & upgrades" – i.e. the costs after the purchase. The purchase price is deliberately left out. That's our honest core: what does the model really cost you, beyond the sticker price?
"Ready-to-run" price & starter-set calculator
Both use the same accessory guide values (EUR):
| Drive battery (brushless) | 50 € |
|---|---|
| Drive battery (brushed) | 30 € |
| Charger | 30 € |
| Kit: ESC, servo & radio | 140 € |
| Tools/small parts | 15–20 € |
Beginner-friendliness
Plus points for ready-to-run (RTR), included battery & charger, brushed and stabilisation (SAFE & co.). Minus points for kits, brushless speed, demanding categories (heli, drone/FPV, boat) and large scales.
Data comes from shop/affiliate feeds and aggregated reviews. AI-generated texts are labelled as such. The heuristic is continuously calibrated – feedback welcome.