I won't pretend to know everything about these fine hobby toys, but I do own four of them. A rc10 electric and a jrx2 electric. Two very good buggies, easy to use, easy to keep up and no noise to bother neighbors. The other two cars are a MGT Associated Monster truck 4x4 and an Associated rc10 GT Plus. Both nitro.

For the use you describe the 4x4 is way better and probably necessary. Nitro requires understanding to run and tune but much more fun. A lot of noise from the Monster truck and about 1/3 the noise with the 2wd rc10 GT.

I find the Monster Truck can do everything, but is a handful in the street in front of the House. Because it is tall, it is also top heavy and is easy to roll on faster turns on asphalt. That roll is lessened with Pro Line road rage street tires on 40 series wheels and the suspension set as low as it will go. Works a lot better in the street, but then loses its off road extreme strength. So, as a result I am always changing tires and wheels back and forth for the conditions.

I got the rc10 gt just because it is so much fun to drive. On the street with all teraine (sp?) tires on the back it just hauls great, also on grass and somewhat on dirt. Because I took the restrictor out of the carb, it drives like it's on ice on loose dirt.

The rc10 GT is very well made and just a lot of fun and faster than the monster truck in all cases, but can't do some things the Monster does.

So, in my opinion you would probably be happier with one of the most popular 4x4 monster trucks. You should probably get whatever is most popular at the hobby store you will be dealing with, because I assure you, no matter how well your car or truck is made you will be back for hop ups and repairs. Nothing wrong with that, its just part of the hoppy.

Good luck and let us know what you get.


Dennis