I never drove one before but I would rather have the nitro hammer than the traxxas nitro vee. The nitro hammer would be a great starter boat for the money. The nitro vee is also good but I had some engine problems with it. Other than that the nitro vee has a return to shore system in it. So when it dies an electric motor will bring it back. The wicked anjel made by Megatech is also a great boat. Goes 35mph out of the box. The megatech engine in that boat is a great running motor. Out of the one I listed I would first go with the wicked anjel, then the nitro hammer and then the nitro vee. That is just my opinion.