I also have had them both, 2 year ago for Xmas I got everything to make my pede all FLM, MM, batts ETC After I put over 1500 into that truck, it still bored me, so I sold it to help my racing funds

This Xmas I got a CRT.5, Mikes chassis/motor mount kit, a bunch of parts for it, and some racing stuff, I could have a EXT .5, with a NEU, or LMT motor, ESC, and lipos for about 700 bucks, and this thing is the funnest car I have had in a while, it handles like is on rails, it takes all the bumps, to big 15ft jumps to sweat, and its really tough, and doesnt get stuck where my pede used to get stuck..

I would MUCH rather have my .5 over a pede

ok, so what is the best basher for my budget?
i am only looking to spend $400, not including batteries and charger.
i won't be racing this at all.

maybe i should get a rustler instead? i want to stick with traxxas products, but it's not necessary, i just know them better at the moment, how much does a brushless crt go for?

Lightly used CRT .5 200 - RCM Motor mount $35 MM 110 - 9L 50 - Hopefully you have a servo around....

I would get the rustler or the CRT .5. You should be able to swing it close to that amount for the monye, maybe a bit more.

hm,m, all things considered i think i'll stick with a brushless FLM stampede.. we'll see how that goes..

Why not the Rusty? Would it be more in price? It would definatly handle better that the pede IMO.

the rusty would be less, but the ground clearance isn't there and I'd be running in grass mostly, speed's nice, but i won't be going over 45 much. plus with my batteries the rusty will be doing wheelys only. the pede is also closer in size to my revo. i guess it's more of a personal preference really. Then again, what would a rusty with big wheels be like..

Stick with the pede if you are running on grass or mixed surfaces. The rusty just does not have the ground clearance.

Easy solution to the ground clearance issue is to run tires like the Talons or Masher 2000's.

As for wheelies with the Rustler...not nearly as many as a Stampede. That's one of the reasons the VXL Stampede is a pain in the butt to drive. It just won't keep the front wheels on the dang ground.

i can always put some weight on the front. i can machine a tiny bit of steel or aluminumand i don't think it will be a problem

http://rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=201533

Check this out for a hopped pede for you...