Thanks for the reassuring response. It's good to know they are not as fragile & problem-some as some 'Redcat haters' have led me to believe.

I think I might have just purchased the very last one available in Canada. It appears that Redcat might be discontinuing this particular model (Hurricane XTE) as there seems to be no stock anywhere!, including the US.
I made enquires with Redcat head office in the US, and I was told no plans to 'reorder' this model are in the pipeline.

According to Canada Post tracking, my XTE will be here tomorrow
As much as I would love to take it out for a spin when it arrives, I will hold back, .... as you said, it's just too damn cold here in Ontario at this moment (I'm in Morrisburg Easten Ontario) and as you mentioned ....it makes plastic especially vulnerable and more prone to breaking.

I expected the stock tires to be 'crappy' (most tires on rtr vehicles usually are), although I'm surprised (but good to know) about the inferior plastic rims though. Which make of rims would you suggest that would fit?

Where would be the best place to source rims and tires in Canada.? Are you buying locally or importing from US or other?

I do plan of course on getting other tires and was looking at the popular badlands as well and also the mowhawk tires.(which have also got decent reviews)http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...ted-8-96436348
I might also get a set of 'on road' tires also.
I'm assuming the HSP wheels & tires found mostly on e bay are pretty much the same if not identical 'crap' that comes on the XTE.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4PCS-17mm-Hu...-/360669106232

Sorry to hear you busted a shock. I'm sure these shocks and towers are not as robust as your higher end models (That's to be expected at this price point)

I came across a review where it was mentioned the wing of the XTE is made from a pretty weak and brittle plastic and breaks easily. Another thing I will definitely consider upgrading if and when I can find a wing that will fit (preferably without having to re-drill the holes) The wing on the ARRMA Typhon 6S buggy appears very flexible and very strong, however it probably wont fit without re-drilling by the looks of it. (I'll also take a look at the JConcepts "Finisher" wing also.

How is your lexan body holding up? did you do any reinforcing on the inside? Some have reported the body is also prone to breaking easily, the nose area around the shock tower being the most susceptible.

BTW, are you using the basic supplied transmitter? The supplied transmitter is probably another thing I will also likely change in the very near future. Nothing fancy, as long as it has a rechargeable lipo instead of the 8AA's .. and a few extra features won't hurt either
I'm thinking of this (I'm familiar with FlySky's product line and they get pretty decent reviews all round for low cost surface & air Tx's & Rx's: http://www.helipal.com/product_info....NTvxoC6rXw_wcB

Thanks again for your kind and helpful reassurance, much appreciated!