I just read a guide bashing Redcat R/C cars, trucks and buggies as "Made in China Junk"

First off, where do you think ALL the other R/C lines are made?  China, except for the Japanese brands, and they might be, just that we don't see it since it could have been made in China, then sent to Japan, and stamped "Made in Japan" for US importation.

Traxxas might be based in Texas, but last I checked, Taiwan is still China, and that's where Traxxas is made.

Redcat is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and yes, they import their stuff from China.

Second, I don't care whether you have a $99 redcat or a $500 Traxxas, they ALL..let me say that again, *ALL* break.  It happens when you jump it too hard, run it into a wall, or fly it into a tree.  It's called Physics.

I personally have Traxxas, Redcat, Sportwerks and HPI.  I have also seen Ofna LX1's and Associated up close and personal.  Redcat 1/10 scale trucks and buggies are perhaps a bit more prone to breakage than their 1/8 scale brethren; this makes sense since they are a bit smaller and the plastics aren't as beefy on a 1/10 buggy as on an 1/8.

On the other hand, I saw another R/Cer run his Associated 1/10 scale truck into a curb, and guess what it did? It broke just like my Shockwave did at the track when I grabbed a wall.

The biggest difference is the COST of replacement.  I got my a-arms at the LHS for $3.99 a pair.  His was $10 for 1, I believe.

The "review" I saw recently on the Volcano seemed more like a description and post-mortem of the destruction of a R/C vehicle.  The Volcano isn't ANYTHING like a T-Maxx; it's certainly not a "Dead Knock-Off" copy. The T-Maxx is probably the toughest R/C model ever made.  Comparing the Volcano to a T-Maxx is comparing Mac to PC...or apples to oranges. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

Finally, parts for Redcat are just as available as parts for Traxxas, etc., simply goto the Redcat website and order them there, or from a store here on eBay, or use the dealer locator at Redcat's site and find a local dealer.

If your only option for parts is online, then get 2 of whatever it is you've busted  You'll save on shipping not buying separately, and you'll be back in action faster the next time you break it.  Or, just get the aluminum hop-ups.

Now, for parts interchangeability.  Redcat and Himoto 1/10 scale are virtually identical.  I believe they are also known as HSP.  I understand that Exceed RC and Redcat are also identical, but  CHECK before you buy to be sure.

HPI's Nitro Star .15 motor is IDENTICAL to my Redcat VX engine, down to the crankshaft.  My VX is still kicking strong, and my HPI now runs again since I had something to tell me how to put this engine back together properly. (It was assembled improperly by my brother...)

By the way, my VX engine sports a Traxxas exhaust manifold.

The other brands' parts might fit, might not, but if you don't know how to use a Dremel, you're probably in the wrong hobby. ;-)

The thing that burns the owners of the "Well established brands" most is when they have paid $500+ for their Associated RC8 KIT and added another $500 for engine, servos, etc. and you come along with a Redcat Hurricane that keeps up with their $1K car...well, I suppose I'd be a bit mad too.

Now, if you want to make a political statement and not buy Chinese imports, that's your right.  You'll need to exit the hobby now since most of the models now are made in China.  But, please, don't bash the product simply because it's from China, and don't assume facts that aren't true.  There are some brands of R/C that are made in China that really are junk.  But don't make the mistake of thinking that Traxxas, Associated, Ofna and the "Well established brands" are made in the USA.  They're imported just like Redcat.