red cats and himotos are not copies actualy rc driver magazine just did a review on himotos 1/8th scale truck (which is a truggy version of the buggy) and were really impressed with it, it got an 8 or 9 out of 10 on almost everything they tested. and besides, the fact that they are interchangeable with more major brands is a good thing beacuse it makes parts especially hop up parts even more readaly avalible.