Here are some of the most popular trucks on the market. One advantage I have is that my friends and I all tend to buy different trucks, which means we get really competetive when we drive with each other, always trying to one up each other. I have experience with all these trucks between myself and my RC buddies. I have both driven and worked on all these trucks so I have a good idea on how they compare.

Associated Monster GT

This is is my favorite truck for the backyard basher. The monster GT has huge tires and a high ground clearance. It can climb almost anything and the suspension is top notch for jumping. The speed and acceleration are among the tops in this group. It is also the most durable monster truck I have seen. With the exception of a brutal crash with a Dodge Stratus, the Monster GT has proven to be extremely durable. The only downside is that the high ground clearance and large tires adversely affect high speed handling. But when lowered and with stiffer springs installed, the Monster GT has shown to be extremly capable on the track. Plus Team Associated is among the best names in the business, and every shop in my local area keeps many parts for this beast in stock.

Tamiya TNX

This is the bargain of the bunch, these trucks can be found almost anywhere fully ready to run for under $400, often in the $350 to $375 range. It has also proven to be durable, with the exception of the axle shafts, which wear out easily. It performs well on the track too. Even though on paper the engine is the weakest, this truck runs pretty competetively with the rest of these trucks, mainly due to its low weight and lack of reverse. The handling is above average, and is definately better than a stock Monster GT, but the suspension isn't the greatest. So far the only major complaints with this truck has been the difficulty of finding parts at local shops.

Duratrax Warhead

Wow, look at all the adjustment!! It can sit as low as a truggy, or as high as a Monster GT. Cool, the frame is really heavy duty. And look at the price! Wow this truck appears to be a winner right out of the box. It does come with a good radio and powerful engine, but the build quality and durabilty leave lots to be desired. Of all the trucks, this one breaks the most. It handles really well, and it runs with the best of them at the drag strip, but the suspension isn't so hot. Duratrax built a performer, but who cares how well it performs when it sits on the bench being fixed. On the plus side, it is pretty easy to work on.

Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3

Fast, fast fast. This truck can go. It is consistantly one of the fastest trucks around. Only the LST has been able to consistantly put it in its place. The suspension is a little soft for serious jumping and bashing, but it hasn't broke from the bottoming out. It had a bad run in with a picnic table, but other than that is hasd shown to be about average in the durability department. It handles pretty good too. It is the smallest and lightest of this bunch, which tends to hurt it at the track, as it gets a little more out of shape in the rough stuff than a Monster GT or Savage. Also, the heavier trucks tend to be able to push it around. Easy to work on and there are so many parts available for this truck. Definately a plus.

Traxxas Revo

This is the truck I have the least experience with. I have driven one for a brief time, maybe 5 minutes. It was fast, at least as fast as the T-Maxx 3.3, and it handled about as good as any truck here. It has typical Traxxas build quality, which is ok. It isn't as well put together as a Losi or Associated, but it as good as the Tamiya and HPI, and better than the Duratrax. The only downfall to this truck is the price, price of parts, and complicated suspension.

HPI Savage

This truck is almost a legend. They were built to compete with the T-Maxx, and I think they do a good job of it. From its revolutionary frame design, to its good durabilty and performance. It was a great truck to drive, but once again, my experience with this truck is limited. The durabilty seems to be as good if not better than Traxxas, but not quite as good as the Losi or Associated. It is a good basher, almost as good as a Monster GT. Also, parts are reasonably priced and easy to locate.

Losi LST

Here is the King of the track. Best engine, best suspension, and best handling truck here. It is the fastest in a drag raceand it is unbelievable how this truck handles. It has fast reflexes and excellent suspension. It also looks good. The truck is put together well and comes with excellent features such as dual steering servos. The durabilty is excellent, about the same level as the Monster GT. It makes a good basher, maybe not as good as a Monster GT or Savage, but it still holds its own in the back yard. The suspension is top of the line. Truggy's were created to bridge the gap between monsters and buggy's, but with a monster as capable as an LST, who needs a truggy? It handles as good as a truck, bashes as good as a monster, and is probably the best all around truck available. The only complaint with this truck is the price. I can't wait for the similarly designed but much lower priced Aftershock comes out, it may be my next truck.....

Engine: LST, MGT, tie Revo and T-Maxx, Savage, Warhead, TNX

Handling: LST, Warhead, Revo, TNX, T-Maxx, Savage, MGT

Suspension: LST, MGT, Revo, Savage, Warhead, T-Maxx 3.3, TNX

Hop-Up availability: T-Maxx 3.3, Savage, Revo, MGT, TNX, LST, Warhead

Track: LST, Revo, Warhead, TNX, T-Maxx 3.3, Savage, MGT

Backyard: MGT, Savage, LST, T-Maxx 3.3, Revo, TNX, Warhead

Durability: MGT, LST, Savage, TNX, Revo, T-Maxx 3.3, Warhead

Overall: LST, Revo, MGT, Savage, T-Maxx 3.3, TNX, Warhead