I'm a big fan of the vstank series. Even with the odd controller, these things are just plain fun. I see no problems with the way they handle, sure they're "toy-like" but, that is what they are... and they do take one hell of a beating.

Although I do agree that if they were going to change the controller, you'd think they would use a more traditional 2 stick setup... even the often reviled HL uses it.

If you are getting the IR version, you'll be buying another soon enough. These are a riot when you bring 'em out to an old rutted dirt lot. They'll take on alot more than you might expect out of the little things, although grass is right out.