I'm a newb, and bought a GT FT doing my own research. It is one hell of a truck. I hopped up the front and rear suspension arms and rear shock tower with RPM parts and now it is almost bullet proof (notice I said almost). I also added a RPM receiver box. If I was going to get an associated it would be the FT. I would not get the RTR if you are looking at bashing. The RTR is ok for a beginner, but definately needs to be hopped up some in order to take a beating. Just my $.02.