T3racer,
The Shockwave is faster partly because it has a .32 motor. But comparing the 2 is like comparing apples to oranges, Hydro vs. V-Hull. Hydro works best in calm water (glass like conditions are best) and V-Hulls will handle choppy water.
The Bud looks great when running because it runs on-top of the water and is a crowd pleaser (just like the big boys
) but you are limited to right turns ( which it does really well). The .15 motor will get you up to 30+ MPH. The initial Bud design has flaws but can be resolved with some work, read [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Proboat_Miss_Budweiser_1%2F12_%E2%80%93_Awesome%21/m_2799689/tm.htm]" Bud 1/12 post "[/link] .
Horizon/Proboat recently overhauled the Bud’s design to have the same upgrades as the Miss.Llumar. This includes the flex shaft, sealed engine area, drain plug, better servo supports etc. over all a better design from the previous release with less trouble and required mods.
The Shockwave is an awesome boat. 35+ MPH, huge fuel tank, flex shaft, stainless steel hardware, trim tabs, .32 motor with tuned pipe and with an over all length of 36” makes it look so sweet
. The engine in this boat is very easy to start and gets on plane very quickly. Initially when the boat was released the major problem everyone was having was with the flex shaft breaking but since then Horizon has resolved this problem. The only other issue I had with my SW was with the stock exhaust coupler (a 2$ part) breaking apart from the heat[
]. I have since replaced it with a more durable coupler.
I would recommend the SW because it is easy to get up and running without much fuss. Hydro’s can be a bit of a challenge to those with less patience to learn and understand how to operate them. I still love to run the Bud but the SW can be more fun.
Back on topic, the unique design of the Mean Machine is that it is a cross between a Hydro and a V-Hull, it’s a catamaran meaning it can handle choppy wake like a V but with less drag like the Hydro making it go faster
. I hope they get the boat in before the summer ends.
Hope this helps.