Kyosho buggies are FANTASTIC, Kanai has won the buggy championship 6 years straight so it says something about them, but there are other great buggies for sure that can stay up and even beat 777's, you have the Mugen MBX5 Prospec, the XB8 by XRAY, and the new Jammin XCR1 by OFNA, all these buggie will be neck and neck, you mentioned that you are new to buggies, thats why i recommended the PBS, i own two Kyosho's and love em, i have a Kanai II, and now the 777 SP1, it all depends on what u like and of course what your local shop carries more parts for, be guided by that, it looks as though you want to bash but race at times so look around, remember also that these top race buggies i mentioned are top dollar buggies that will put you back over a grand when u add up race motor's pipes and good servos, so they may be out of your league money wise for now....good luck in your choice!