Yeah the '8' is more slick and quicker through the bends but the Hyper 8 is (IMO and after witnessing a lot of '8's at my club) is stronger and more refined (Hobao have been in the 1/8 market a lot longer than Losi). I've stacked my buggy so many times and I've never bent or broken a single part.

Both buggies are excellent, whatever your LHS can get parts for buy.