They are a lot of fun but the expensive part is the upgrades that will inevitably come. If you are doing nitro be prepared for the fuel prices. Some stuff can be as much as 50 bucks a gallon. Oh yeah they will break them and then you get to buy more parts to fix them. They are crazy fun and take a lot of practice to get real good. I think it is a great hobby to get into with your boys. I guarantee they will have a ton of fun and I bet you will too.