[Overdriven]

The redcat and HSP are basically one and the same. There's a factory in china that produces the vehicles for both companies. According to Redcat, they get the basic vehicles that HSP and others get, tests them, and then has the factory that produces them make any changes Redcat deems necessary for durability, handling, looks, etc. I have read about instances where standard HSP parts won't work in the "upgraded" Redcat versions and vice versa.

It is true that Redcat (and others) are using "just enough" in the electronics department to get by, especially in the large scales. But that's how they can keep their price points too. The new Shredder (basically a stretched out 1/8 truggy) is a perfect example with its 80amp esc, but its also $400 bucks RTR with batteries. Thats their recipe, amd it seems to be working well for them.

Its pretty damn tempting for me too. Personally one of my MMM's and 1520's would instantly make their way into it. But the old stuff would make the old Ofna in my closet RTR and pay for a nice chunk of the new Shredder. I'm just put off by parts availibility, I like going to my LHS, even if they end up having to order the part.