Sorry i realize how general my question was. What I'm looking for in a new RC tank is really a combination of all that you mentioned Pat. We are looking to do the IR battles a little at an outdoor RC car track/range. That location being said, it will get a little muddy and fairly dirty so I was assuming the metal tanks would be best for this. Also one of the people buying a tank is an amateur videographer so I can assume he will be filming away with the tanks so I'd like to have a heavier tank for the more realistic movement aspect. The metal stood out in my mind as they seem a more robust or reliable combination but I'll defer to everyone's expertise on the matter.

From a budget perspective, I'd like to stay around $500-$600 for an initial investment and then upgrade in the future as I go. I've been warned that when the RC bug bites, it bites hard.