There's nothing wrong with the ECX brand. I have suggested ECX trucks to many people in forums as ECX has great durability ratings. I honestly think Tamiya's kits are a little pricey. I think it's a nostalgia thing for gawe22 and wanting to give his son something that dad enjoyed growing up with . I could be wrong. For me, being a teenager in the 80's, and saving up money to buy a Tamiya Frog for my first real RC, I still get a warm feeling inside of me as I watch videos of people do stupid stuff/tricks/jumps to Tamiya buggies.