I have the Tiger 1 and really like it. But I have always liked the Tiger tank so for me their was no other choose. The Heng Long tanks all have some things that are not right as far as parts bing miss place, the Tigers main gun mantel is upside down which puts the coax MG on the wrong side small things like that. Other guy will tell you that they are not that reliable and brake down alot, but like you I too do not have $600.00+ to spend on a Tamiya that and my wife would shoot me for spending that much on a "toy tank". I have have my HL tiger for a few months and have run it pretty hard, I live in Florida so it is pretty HOT out and my tank is still runing strong. Which ever tank you decide to go with I would make sure that you get the Super version with metal gear box. I got most of my stuff from MATO Toys. Hope this helps a little.

Jeff