jpolidore:

I think it can also be attributable to driver skill. As your skills get better, you have less tendancies to break things. You can "feel" the truck an what it is doing - "Use the force young HPI Jedi". This helps with the durability.

I always suggest to people that less is more. Drive 5/10's untill you know the truck, then increase speed as your skills get better. If you can get to a track, watch other drivers and their techniques, then incorporate those into yours. When you feel you are ready, pick someone with skills a step higher then yours and try to keep up. Once you think you are better then try and pass. Once you have mastered this, you truly will have the force.

I have seen many people buy their vehicle then mash the gas - bust something - then say they hate RC and these vehicles suck. No vehicle is meant to go 45 mph into a brick wall. I also suggest that people try and fix their vehicle themselves. I have seen to many vehicles brought to the LHS, because the person has said they don't know how to fix it. You should learn your vehicle and how to keep it running.

Just my two cents - which is only worth two cents.