SO far, it looks like Mato is the only one selling the HL tanks with Metal gears. Skip hobbytown. My buddy wanted to pick one up and they were selling the HL tiger for $195. I don't think there is a difference in the shooting velocity between the tanks. You either get a good set or a lemon. So far, the pershing my cousin has is shooting about the same velocity as my tiger. On the tiger, I have already broken 3 drive wheels and just 1 piece of track. I like seeing my tank climb steep mounds of dirt and the plastic drive wheels can't seem to take the abuse. I've ordred the metal drive wheels from Mato to cure that problem, My cousins pershing so far has yet to break anything. Spare parts depends on which tank i guess. I would highly suggest you pick up a set of tracks and metal drive wheels if you were to go with the tiger. The HL tanks are great for newbies of all ages. just my .02

my bud picked up his SS pershing from these guys. Only took 2 days to arrive from southern cali to Napa, CA. It did not come with with metal gears though.

http://zhobby.com/rctank.html