the pede 4X4 isn't a bad truck... just I feel its over priced
Its main issue I have with it are the sliders those I feel should be metal out of the box as after awhile on the power they get wobbly.
One nice thing about it is for $40ish you can get an optional center diff (what I have in mine) that replaces the slipper.
I run mine more in between a ST, and a truggy. Stadium truck tires, but with a center diff.
Can't comment on the Vaterra Halix cause I've never even heard of it before
Only other MT I know of in that price, and size range is a HPI Wheely king, but I doubt that would do what you want as its brushed solid axle MT that really can't take BL (without a lot of upgrades)